Characteristics of the Industry
Canadian fish and seafood exporters continue to participate in the two major food fairs in the world, held every
year alternating between Paris and Cologne. These fairs are the ideal place for Canadian suppliers to meet buyers
from Europe and the rest of the world.
There has been a noted decrease in fish and sea products in Canada for many years, on both the East and West
coasts. The reduction of reserves is still ongoing and the government has been compelled to intervene by
adopting restrictive measures to ensure that future generations might still be in a position to consume sea
products. License buy-back and quota programs have been instituted and this has decreased the number of
fishermen and of fish caught. The smaller fishing operations are the most affected (in favour of larger operations)
and since the beginning of the 1990s there has been a restructuring of the workforce in the fishing industry.
Larger companies use technologies which are much more complicated than those in smaller operations and they
therefore need a much more qualified and reduced workforce. The new unemployed workers have less and less
chance of finding a job in this area; they must therefore be given additional training to re-enter the fishing
market or to try new careers, but much still has to be done because fishermen usually show a certain resistance
to solutions proposed by the Canadian government. (Source: Industry Canada, Strategis)
According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the total value of fish landings rose to $1.536 million in 1996 on both
coasts (that is $1.120 million on the East Coast and $416 million on the West Coast). For the same year
aquaculture production rose to $350 million.
The fishing industry is made up of a great number of independent operators who sell their produce as
independent contractors to fish processing plants; it is also made up of fishermen and fishing boat crews working
for commercial fleets some of which belong to processing companies.
On both coasts, approximately two thirds of fishing boat captains and fishermen are self-employed workers. In
the aquaculture area, they are usually small independent operators involved in fish farming.
Although fishing activity is concentrated on the coasts, Fisheries and Oceans Canada indicates that 6,900 people
held inland fishing licences in 1996 (inland fishing in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, the North-West
Territories, Quebec and New Brunswick).
Not nearly as many people are involved in aquaculture activities; there are between 2,000 and 3,000 and a good
percentage of them work on the coasts.
Of the roughly $350 million generated by aquacultural production in 1996, about $100 million is from British
Columbia, the rest comes almost all from New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. There is very little fish
farming in Ontario.
Earnings from fish landings have fluctuated considerably in the last few years. From 1994 to 1996, earnings from
Atlantic catches remained fairly steady while those from the Pacific dropped considerably. In 1996, revenues
generated by commercial salmon fishing on the West Coast were less than half the average revenue generated at
the beginning of the 1990s.
From 1991 to 1996, the value of aquaculture production increased by 78% in Canada.
Demand for aquaculture products, and more particularly salmon, trout, scallops, and oysters increased over the
last years. Although exports to the United States remained steady or rose slowly, demand from Asian markets
increased much more rapidly.
a) What are some problems that have occurred due to the reduction of fishing on
Canada’s coast lines?
b) Between the east coast, west coast and aquaculture fishing industry, which is
most profitable?
c) Why do you think there has been an increase in the aquaculture industry over
the past 10-20 years?
Know About the Fishing Industry in Canada
Canada has one of the healthiest fishing industries in the world. Its freshwater fishing is thriving and has
remained in a great state for many years. Whether it is commercial fishing and processing or recreational
fishing, Canada has plenty to offer.
Canada's fishing resources and industry
Although Canada's fishing industry contributes much to its economy, it wasn't always so. Although efforts
during the 1860s and onward were well-placed, results weren't always up to par. That is, until the fishing
industry began to boom from the early 1900s to the present, overcoming economic hurdles such as the
Depression. Using both technology and scientific research, fishing practices and production were greatly
improved.
Canada has the longest coastline in the world and owns the largest economic zone offshore, equivalent to
nearly 4 million sq. km. Its freshwater system is also the largest in the world, encompassing about 2 million
rivers and lakes, totaling over 755,000 sq. km.
Currently, it is Manitoba's fishing industry that produces about 25% of the freshwater fish in Canada. There
are about 13 species of fish that are being harvested commercially, including lake trout, northern pike,
whitefish and yellow perch.
As proof of its efficiency, the fishing industry in Canada produced over 1 million tons of commercial fish in
2005, valued at about $2 billion. Its aquaculture production in the same year yielded over 150,000 tons,
valued at over $700 million.
Businesses belonging to Canada's fishing industry number about 11,000. It includes aquaculture, fish
processing, ocean services, engineering and hydrography, among others. Coastal tourism is also a thriving
industry. The coastal areas of Canada are home to about 7 million people engaged in tourism and fishing
as a source of income. Currently, over 20,000 fishing vessels are registered and involved actively in the
fishing industry.
Recreational fishing
Canada's robust fishing industry isn't limited to commercial ventures. There are about 3 million people who
engage in recreational fishing in Canada, making the sport one of the country's national pastimes.
The DFO
The fishing industry in Canada is managed and protected by the Department of Fisheries. It is responsible
for the health, safety and productivity of Canada's water and aquatic resources. It is the government agency
that sets and implements standards for the development and sustainability of Canada's fishing industry by
providing facilities for safeguarding, conservation and research.
To protect its marine environment, Canada employs the Coast Guard which offers assistance to thousands
of small commercial and recreational fishing vessels in case of emergencies. The Canadian Coast Guard is
also responsible for educating boaters and fishermen about Boating Safety regulations. It also assists in
hydrographic missions, scientific surveys, rescues and in the implementation of environmental pollution
regulations.
a) What type of fishing industry does this article claim to be very healthy in Canada?
b) Canada’s fishing industry is not limited to commercial ventures, name two other ways fishing
contributes to Canada’s economy?
c) How does Canada protect this important but fragile industry today?