Who handles fisheries & oceans?
Fisheries & Oceans
Fisheries are primarily federal under the Fisheries Act. Provinces manage inland fisheries and licensing, and municipalities handle local waterfront access.
⚠️ Shared Jurisdiction: This area involves multiple levels of government. The information below shows the primary responsibility at each level, but overlap is common. When in doubt, start with the level most directly related to your issue.
Key Facts
- ● Fisheries and Oceans Canada manages over 200 fish stocks across the country, supporting approximately 70,000 commercial fishermen.
- ● Canada's commercial fisheries landed over $5 billion worth of seafood in 2023, making it one of the top global seafood exporters.
- ● The federal Fisheries Act protects fish habitat and sets the legal framework for sustainable fishing practices.
- ● Indigenous fisheries represent a growing sector, with over 100 First Nations now operating commercial fishing operations.
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO)
- ● Commercial fishing quotas
- ● Marine conservation and habitat protection
- ● Coast Guard services
💡 Example: Contact DFO about fishing quotas or marine conservation.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Provincial inland fisheries management
- ● Recreational fishing licences
- ● Provincial fish stocking programs
- ● Freshwater habitat management
💡 Example: Contact your provincial natural resources ministry about fishing licences.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Local waterfront access and marinas
- ● Municipal dock and wharf maintenance
- ● Local fish habitat protection
- ● Waterfront parks and trails
💡 Example: Contact your municipality about marina permits or waterfront access.
Quick Reference — Who to Contact
🏛️ Federal
Your Member of Parliament (MP)
🏢 Provincial
Your MPP, MLA, or MNA
🏘️ Municipal
Your City Councillor
How to Get Involved
You can make your voice heard on this issue by contacting your elected representatives at all levels of government.
- ● Contact your MP about federal policies and programs
- ● Reach out to your provincial MLA/MPP about provincial programs and regulations
- ● Attend municipal council meetings to discuss local initiatives
- ● Join advocacy organizations focused on this issue
- ● Contact your MP about sustainable fisheries management and ocean conservation policies.
- ● Participate in local fisheries advisory committees or coastal community consultations.
Ready to Take Action?
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Take Action →Frequently Asked Questions
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) manages fish stocks, marine ecosystems, and fisheries policy. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) enforces regulations on fish processing and labeling.
Indigenous peoples in Canada have constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights to fish. Many First Nations manage their own fisheries through co-management agreements with DFO.
The 1992 cod moratorium in Atlantic Canada shut down the commercial cod fishery after stocks collapsed. It displaced over 30,000 fishers and remains one of Canada's most significant environmental and economic events.
DFO uses science-based catch limits, seasonal closures, gear restrictions, and marine protected areas. The Fisheries Act prohibits harmfully altering fish habitat.
Sustainable seafood comes from fisheries and aquaculture that maintain healthy fish populations and ecosystems. Look for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certifications.