Latest news with #FisheriesandOceansCanada
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
B.C. jet skier fined $5K for approaching dolphins too closely
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is reminding people that there are rules around approaching marine mammals after a man was fined $5,000 for getting too close to a pod of dolphins. Stephen Michael White was fined last month after being found guilty in November 2024 of violating a section of the Marine Mammal Regulations. The incident took place in August 2022, in Broughton Strait near Port McNeill on Vancouver Island's northern coast, according to a media release from DFO. White was recorded speeding toward a pod of Pacific white-sided dolphins on his Jet Ski, coming within a few feet of the creatures while filming on his phone — much closer than the 100-metre legal approach distance. Witnesses immediately reported the incident. Evidence presented in court included images from White's own social media, as well as testimonies and images from witnesses. The court found his actions to be negligent and reckless, leading to a six-month ban from operating any motorized vessel on water. White is also prohibited from posting anything related to marine mammals to social media. Don't disrupt marine animals: DFO Catriona Day, fishery officer with DFO's whale protection unit, said the department is very concerned about boaters getting too close to marine mammals. "There's many threats that these animals are facing," she said. The department is not only concerned about physical disturbance, she said, but also "acoustic disturbance." Toothed-whale species, including dolphins and killer whales, use sound to navigate their environment, called echolocation. Objects get in the way of their ability to communicate, find food, mate and socialize, Day said. "They are disrupted when we come along and get too close, and it affects their normal life patterns and potentially puts the boater and the health of the marine mammal at risk," she said. Day noted the case's guilty verdict and court-ordered fine are a reminder to follow the rules around keeping a distance from marine animals. "This is not a joke. This isn't just to … have a great selfie and a great social media post. You can get in trouble for posting this." "Enjoy the marine mammals; they are fantastic. They're absolutely a treat that we have in B.C. But enjoy them safely, and responsibly and legally," she added. Under federal regulations, disturbances include approaching the marine mammal to feed, swim, or interact with it; moving it or causing it to move from the immediate area where it's found; separating it from members of its group or going between it and its calf; trapping it or its group between a vessel and the shore, or between a vessel and one or more other vessels; or approaching the animal to tag and mark it. If boaters come across marine animals in the water, Day recommends slowing down and coming to a stop. "Let the dolphins go away on their own.… It's absolutely illegal to go after dolphins on purpose," she said. DFO is reminding British Columbians and anyone taking to open waters this summer of legal approach distances: 400 metres from all killer whales in southern B.C. coastal waters. 200 metres from all killer whales in all other Canadian Pacific waters, and when a whale, dolphin or porpoise is in a resting position or with a calf. 100 metres away from other whales, porpoises and dolphins. The restrictions apply to all motorized and self-propelled watercrafts, swimmers, and scuba divers — part of a host of protective measures designed to protect marine mammals in B.C. waters. The department is also asking the public for information on similar incidents contravening the Fisheries Act and regulations.
Hamilton Spectator
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Scientists question Ottawa more than doubling cod catch in Newfoundland and Labrador
ST. JOHN'S - Scientists say they are surprised and 'puzzled' by the federal fisheries minister's decision Wednesday to more than double the catch in this year's northern cod fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador. Noel Cadigan modelled the northern cod stock for years as a scientist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada. He said the move to hike catch limits this year doesn't line up with the precautionary management approach the department says it has adopted for the stock. 'It is not easy to reduce these quotas again,' the associate professor at Memorial University's Marine Institute said Thursday. 'You want to be sure that these increases are going to be sustainable over the medium term.' 'I don't see evidence for that,' he added. Federal fisheries minister Joanne Thompson announced Wednesday that the total allowable catch for the commercial northern cod fishery off Newfoundland and Labrador's east coast would be 38,000 tonnes this year. That's up from 18,000 tonnes in 2024. For centuries, the northern cod fishery was the backbone of Newfoundland and Labrador's fishing sector and rural economy. But the stock began to collapse and in 1992, the federal government imposed a moratorium on the fishery. The move resulted in one of the largest mass layoffs in Canadian history. Ottawa lifted the 32-year-old moratorium last year, drawing criticism from some scientists who say the stock is still trying to recover. The Fisheries Department's northern cod stock assessment earlier this year was much rosier than the last. It included revised estimates of the stock size and the threshold at which it would struggle to survive. The chance the stock is above that threshold is greater than 99 per cent, it said. The department has not yet determined a threshold at which the stock would be considered healthy. If the stock falls between the goalposts for struggling and healthy, it is considered to be in the 'cautious' zone. Cadigan noted that according to the department's own guidelines, 'fishing must be progressively reduced' on stocks in that zone. The assessment also said there was a moderate to moderately high chance the stock would decline in the next few years, even if it wasn't fished. Cadigan said Thompson seems to be 'gambling' on that not happening. Tyler Eddy, a Marine Institute research scientist, said the assessment also predicted if fishing levels were doubled this year, there was just a four per cent chance the stock would fall back down past the threshold at which it was threatened by 2026. But Cadigan said the point should be to avoid that precipice at all costs. 'You're talking about a small risk of a disaster,' he said. Sherrylynn Rowe, also a Marine Institute research scientist, said the data in the latest stock assessment made Thompson's decision surprising. The Fisheries Department's press release Wednesday said the stock has been stable since 2017. Rowe said that also means it hasn't shown any significant growth. However, she said officials are under a lot of pressure from the local fishing industry to increase quotas and catches. From that perspective, the minister's decision isn't quite as shocking, she said. 'This is a challenge in Canada,' she said in an interview. 'Within the Department of Fisheries, they have a dual mandate to both protect oceans and fish stocks, but also promote fisheries … It's not always clear how the various objectives are weighted when they make these types of decisions.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Scientists question Ottawa more than doubling cod catch in Newfoundland and Labrador
ST. JOHN'S – Scientists say they are surprised and 'puzzled' by the federal fisheries minister's decision Wednesday to more than double the catch in this year's northern cod fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador. Noel Cadigan modelled the northern cod stock for years as a scientist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada. He said the move to hike catch limits this year doesn't line up with the precautionary management approach the department says it has adopted for the stock. 'It is not easy to reduce these quotas again,' the associate professor at Memorial University's Marine Institute said Thursday. 'You want to be sure that these increases are going to be sustainable over the medium term.' 'I don't see evidence for that,' he added. Federal fisheries minister Joanne Thompson announced Wednesday that the total allowable catch for the commercial northern cod fishery off Newfoundland and Labrador's east coast would be 38,000 tonnes this year. That's up from 18,000 tonnes in 2024. For centuries, the northern cod fishery was the backbone of Newfoundland and Labrador's fishing sector and rural economy. But the stock began to collapse and in 1992, the federal government imposed a moratorium on the fishery. The move resulted in one of the largest mass layoffs in Canadian history. Ottawa lifted the 32-year-old moratorium last year, drawing criticism from some scientists who say the stock is still trying to recover. The Fisheries Department's northern cod stock assessment earlier this year was much rosier than the last. It included revised estimates of the stock size and the threshold at which it would struggle to survive. The chance the stock is above that threshold is greater than 99 per cent, it said. The department has not yet determined a threshold at which the stock would be considered healthy. If the stock falls between the goalposts for struggling and healthy, it is considered to be in the 'cautious' zone. Cadigan noted that according to the department's own guidelines, 'fishing must be progressively reduced' on stocks in that zone. The assessment also said there was a moderate to moderately high chance the stock would decline in the next few years, even if it wasn't fished. Cadigan said Thompson seems to be 'gambling' on that not happening. Tyler Eddy, a Marine Institute research scientist, said the assessment also predicted if fishing levels were doubled this year, there was just a four per cent chance the stock would fall back down past the threshold at which it was threatened by 2026. But Cadigan said the point should be to avoid that precipice at all costs. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. 'You're talking about a small risk of a disaster,' he said. Sherrylynn Rowe, also a Marine Institute research scientist, said the data in the latest stock assessment made Thompson's decision surprising. The Fisheries Department's press release Wednesday said the stock has been stable since 2017. Rowe said that also means it hasn't shown any significant growth. However, she said officials are under a lot of pressure from the local fishing industry to increase quotas and catches. From that perspective, the minister's decision isn't quite as shocking, she said. 'This is a challenge in Canada,' she said in an interview. 'Within the Department of Fisheries, they have a dual mandate to both protect oceans and fish stocks, but also promote fisheries … It's not always clear how the various objectives are weighted when they make these types of decisions.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2025.
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Cision Canada
B.C. jet skier fined $5,000 for intentionally approaching marine mammals too closely Français
PORT HARDY, BC, June 19, 2025 /CNW/ - With the arrival of summer on Canada's west coast, residents and tourists are planning to be out on the water. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) reminds everyone to follow the laws and guidelines about approaching marine mammals, which vary depending on the species. On May 22, 2025, in Campbell River Provincial Court, Stephen Michael White was fined $5,000 after being found guilty in November 2024 of violating Section 7(1) of the Marine Mammal Regulations. Mr. White was recorded speeding toward a pod of Pacific white-sided dolphins on his jet ski, coming within just a few feet while filming them on his cell phone – much closer than the 100 metre legal approach distance. The court determined his actions were negligent and reckless, leading to a six month ban from operating any motorized vessel on water. Additionally, Mr. White was prohibited from posting anything related with marine mammals on social media. Toothed whale species, including dolphins and killer whales, rely on echolocating – using sound to navigate their environment. Close encounters with a vessel can disrupt their natural behaviours and interfere with essential sound signals used for communication, foraging, and socialization. Such interactions also pose health and safety risks to both marine mammals and humans This case marks the first successful prosecution in Canada under the Marine Mammal Regulations' approach distance provisions. The guilty verdict and court-ordered fine reinforce the importance of following marine mammal approach distance regulations to prevent disturbances. DFO protects and conserves marine resources and enforces the Fisheries Act. As part of DFO's work to disrupt and prevent illegal activity, the Department asks the public for information on activities of this nature or any contravention of the Fisheries Act and regulations. Anyone with information can call the DFO Pacific Region's toll-free violation reporting line at 1-800-465-4336, or email the details to [email protected]. Quick Facts The incident occurred in Broughton Strait near Port McNeill on August 30, 2022, and was immediately reported to DFO's incident reporting line by witnesses. The evidence presented in Court included images from Mr. White's own social media posts, as well as testimonies and visuals from witnesses. Under the Marine Mammal Regulations the term "disturbing" includes approaching the marine mammal to: attempt to: feed, swim, or interact with it; move it or entice or cause it to move from the immediate vicinity in which it is found; separate it from members of its group or go between it and a calf; trap it or its group between a vessel and the shore or between a vessel and one or more other vessels; or tag or mark it. Approach distances are: 400m from all killer whales in southern BC Coastal waters; or 200m from killer whales in all other Canadian Pacific waters; 200m away when a whale, dolphin or porpoise is in a resting position or with a calf; and 100m away for other whales, porpoises and dolphins. These restrictions apply to all motorized and self-propelled watercrafts, swimmers, and scuba divers, and are part of a suite of protective measures designed to protect marine mammals in B.C. waters. Stay Connected SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
Canada Standard
4 days ago
- Politics
- Canada Standard
'Making decisions closer to the wharf' can ensure the sustainability of Canada's fisheries and oceans
During the federal election campaign, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that if elected, he would look into restructuring Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Carney stated that he understood the importance of DFO and of "making decisions closer to the wharf." Carney's statement was made in response to protesting fish harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador who decried recent DFO decision-making for multiple fisheries, including Northern cod and snow crab. Although addressing industry concerns is important, any change to DFO decision-making must serve the broader public interest, which includes commitments to reconciliation and conserving biodiversity. Major reforms could fundamentally reshape fisheries science and management in Canada, yet most Canadians are unaware of how DFO's science-management process works, or why change might be needed. DFO has long been criticized for its dual mandate, which involves both supporting economic growth and conserving the environment. For organizations like DFO to be trusted by the public, they need to produce information and policies that are credible, relevant and legitimate. However, DFO's dual mandates have been viewed as antithetical and have at the least created a perceived conflict of interest. The issue at stake is how science advice from DFO can be considered independent, if it is also supposed to serve commercial interests. One solution to this problem would be to shift control over the economic viability of fisheries to provinces. This is not a radical idea by any means, as most of the economic value of the fishery arises after fish are brought to harbour. For example, licences to process groundfish like cod, haddock and halibut -which Nova Scotia has just announced will be opened for new entrants following decades of a moratorium - as well as policies governing the purchase of seafood already fall to provinces. In 2024, all 13 ministers from the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers indicated a desire for "joint management" between provinces and DFO. This was driven driven by a concern that the department has not focused enough on provincial and territorial fisheries issues. This shouldn't be seen as a criticism of DFO, but rather an opportunity to embrace differentiated responsibility. DFO could maintain regulatory control for fisheries, like enforcing the Fisheries Act, defining licence conditions and performing long-term monitoring and assessments. As included in the modernized Fisheries Act, it could still consider the social and economic objectives in decision-making. DFO is structured into regions with their own science and management branches, but many decisions end up being made by staff at DFO headquarters in Ottawa. In addition, the federal fisheries minister retains ministerial discretion for almost every decision, something that has been criticized as being inequitable. During an interview with researchers looking into fisheries management policy, a regional manager stated that they no longer make decisions: "Because aversion, much more of the decision-making has now been bumped up to higher levels. So I like to facetiously state that I am no longer a manager, I am a recommender." Centralized decision-making can limit communication between regional scientists and managers and federal government policymakers. This communication gap can make it difficult for managers to use the latest science and adjust policies quickly and it can also lead to recommended policies that are challenging to implement at the local level. Handing management decision-making power to regional fisheries managers could therefore benefit science and policy, and contribute to decisions that are deemed more equitable by those impacted. Other countries use a regional management approach. In the United States, marine fisheries are managed by eight regional fishery management councils that use scientific advice from the National Marine Fisheries Service. Although not without their flaws, the successful rebuilding of overfished stocks in the U.S. has been attributed, in part, to the regional council system. Governance systems that have multiple but connected centres of decision-making are generally expected to be more participatory, flexible to respond to changes and have improved spatial fit between knowledge and policy actions. This type of approach could shift the focus of Ottawa-based managers and the fisheries minister to ensuring national consistency. Canada's current methods for inclusion of social and economic considerations are limited and have produced scientific advice that is not fully separable from rights holder and stakeholder input. Most of DFO's scientific peer-review process is focused on ecological science conducted by DFO scientists. The peer-review process often also involves rights holders and stakeholders. While Indigenous rights holders and community stakeholders may not be trained in the presented analyses, they often contribute to these meetings by describing their knowledge and experiences. However, because the meetings are focused on DFO ecological science, they are not designed to formally consider stakeholder and rights holder knowledge. This can lead to two key issues. First, it may blur the line between peer-reviewed science and rights holder and stakeholder input, reducing the credibility of the scientific advice. Second, the valuable information provided by rights holders and stakeholders may be overlooked since it is not shared in a setting designed to incorporate it. The lack of review of alternative Indigenous knowledge sources and social and economic science during peer-review processes inherently limits the advice that can be provided. It suggests that the government is not benefiting from the opportunity to incorporate diverse knowledge bases. These problems could be addressed by developing procedures through which stakeholders and rights holders contribute their local and traditional knowledge to better inform ecological and socio-economic considerations. By increasing the number of peer-review platforms, rights holder and stakeholder input could be reviewed similarly to ecological science. This change would likely increase the credibility, legitimacy and salience of information used to inform fishery managers. Regardless of how rights holders and stakeholders perspectives are included, the process should be clearly structured and documented. By reconsidering DFO's mandate, decentralizing management decision-making and improving the scientific consideration of varied forms of knowledge, DFO could make decisions that are closer to the wharf.
