Oceana Canada's Fishery Audits: Efforts to Improve Fishery Management

Canadian fish stocks are in trouble. Andrew Lewin and Oceana's Rebecca Schijns discuss the importance of fisheries audits and the state of Canada's fisheries. Joined by fishery scientist Rebecca Schijns from Oceana Canada, they delve into the results of the audits and the need for conservation efforts. Rebecca shares the results of Oceana's 7th Annual Fishery Audit for Canadian fish stocks.

Tune in to learn more about the challenges and solutions for safeguarding Canada's fisheries.

Oceana Canada's Fishery Audit: https://oceana.ca/en/reports/fishery-audit-2023/

The organization highlighted in the episode emphasizes the significance of collaborating with communities and valuing input from community leaders. They believe that engaging with community leadership and sharing their findings is crucial, as it allows them to address any questions or concerns and ensure that their recommendations for rebuilding abundance in the oceans accurately reflect a wide range of people's priorities.

Recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives, the organization acknowledges that different communities may have unique priorities and viewpoints on how to rebuild abundance. Therefore, they actively seek input from community leaders to ensure that their recommendations are comprehensive and representative.

In addition to engaging with community leaders, the organization also organizes symposiums and workshops to gather feedback and interact with various stakeholders. They specifically mention their interactions with Indigenous leaders and their efforts to prioritize Indigenous knowledge systems in ecosystem resilience and abundance. This demonstrates their commitment to including Indigenous perspectives and incorporating reconciliation commitments into fisheries management.

Overall, the organization values community input and recognizes the importance of considering a wide range of perspectives when making recommendations for rebuilding abundance in the oceans. They believe that by incorporating diverse priorities and knowledge systems, they can work towards a better future for fisheries and act with urgency against climate change.

The organization mentioned in the episode circulates its audit and recommendations to the minister's office, emphasizing the importance of communicating with community leadership and sharing their results. However, they have not yet had the opportunity to meet directly with the newest minister, as they took office at the end of the summer. Nevertheless, they ensure that the audit and recommendations, including the letters of recommendation, are shared with the minister's office.

The organization discussed in the episode focuses on improving science monitoring and management in the fisheries sector. While acknowledging substantial investments in fisheries science and management programs, they highlight a lack of focus and dedicated capacity to implement real change on the water. They emphasize the importance of incorporating sound science into decision-making processes, extending beyond year-to-year decisions.

Recognizing the turnover in leadership within the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, with six different ministers over six years, the organization emphasizes the need for the new fisheries minister to fulfill their mandate on fishery sustainability and make critical decisions regarding key stocks like cod, capelin, mackerel, and herring. They also advocate for the inclusion of more fish under the Amended Fisheries Act and rebuilding regulations to provide optimal protection for fisheries in Canada.

The organization has engaged with the government through briefings and interactions, sharing their results and recommendations to improve science monitoring and management. They have received positive feedback and have been informed about ongoing efforts behind the scenes, such as the progress of rebuilding plans awaiting final approval. However, they also stress the importance of holding the government accountable for accomplishing the necessary tasks.

The organization's fishery audit coincided with the Office of the Auditor General's audit on monitoring. Both audits revealed pervasive issues in fisheries monitoring, including compliance and enforcement of fisheries catches. While there have been improvements with the fisheries monitoring policy introduced in 2019, implementation has been delayed, resulting in a significant gap in understanding what is being caught and making well-informed decisions on quotas.

One of the challenges highlighted by the organization is effectively communicating scientific concepts, such as the definition of a stock, to non-scientific audiences. They emphasize the importance of utilizing reliable information and evidence to comprehend the state of fisheries and design management measures that support healthy fisheries. They stress the need for a long-term vision and commitment from the government to bring about lasting change for the betterment of the oceans and coastal communities.