Oceana Canada

"Currently, in many fisheries, we may be catching more fish than is sustainable. Fisheries feed the livelihoods of many coastal people, and our cultures are intimately tied to fishing practices. If we care about future generations and want healthy ocean systems, we need to rethink how we’re managing our fisheries." Amanda Bates, marine ecologist at University of Victoria A new study published in the journal Science finds that the sustainability of global fisheries may have been overstated, potentially putting ocean health at risk. This is a crucial moment for us to push for more precautionary approaches to fisheries management to safeguard marine ecosystems and food security. More here: https://lnkd.in/e8XPh78D

ICYMI: Just over a month ago, 133,017 km² of underwater mountains off Vancouver Island were permanently protected! 🌊 The new Marine Protected Area, Tang.ɢwan · ḥačxʷiqak · Tsig̱is, will be co-managed by the Haida, Nuu-chah-nulth, Pacheedaht and Quatsino First Nations, and protects 93% of Canada’s known seamounts. “Oceana Canada has been advocating for the protection of these vital underwater ecosystems since 2018,” said Dr. Robert Rangeley, Oceana Canada’s Science Director. Huge thanks to everyone who helped make this happen! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/erVURKUW

How fisheries are managed impacts the health of the oceans, coastal communities, and the economy. While Canada's 2019 Fisheries Act aims to rebuild depleted fish populations, progress has been slow and inconsistent. Only 30 of nearly 200 fish populations are protected by Canada's Fisheries Act. Currently, it could take 16 years for all stocks to be protected. It's time to speed up implementation to safeguard these species and marine ecosystems. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eHfFGJ3c

#BREAKING: Another entangled North Atlantic right whale was spotted in the Gulf of St. Lawrence this past weekend. “The news of another whale entangled in fishing gear is heartbreaking. With only 356 North Atlantic right whales left, and about 70 breeding-age females, this crisis must be stopped. Ropeless gear allows fishing activity to continue while preventing entanglements, removing webs of dangerous ropes from the path of migrating whales. Oceana Canada is calling on DFO to require ropeless gear by 2025 in areas that are the highest risk to right whales,” said Kim Elmslie, Campaign Director at Oceana Canada Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/eNwWwpfZ

Canadians Unite: Tackling plastic pollution is a non-partisan issue A new poll commissioned by Oceana Canada shows 82% of Canadians still support the federal ban on single-use plastics. This consensus crosses all political lines, with 71% of Conservative voters, 86% of NDP supporters, and 93% of Liberal voters supporting the ban. Oceana Canada is calling on the Canadian government and all political parties to prioritize tackling plastic pollution. This includes ending the sale of plastic packaging that is not collected and recycled in Canada.   Read our full press release here: https://lnkd.in/e7Re7JNX

Is tackling plastic pollution a partisan issue? According to a recent poll by Oceana Canada, it is not, and the vast majority of Canadians still support banning single-use plastics. "Canadians from coast to coast to coast have adapted to the ban on single-use plastics and seen the benefits. Canadians expect serious and practical action from the government to reduce waste and ensure products and systems are truly circular, safe, and of good quality,” said Anthony Merante, Senior Plastics Campaigner, Oceana Canada. Oceana Canada is urging the Canadian government and all political parties to prioritize addressing plastic pollution, including ending the sale of plastic packaging that is not collected and recycled in Canada. Learn more about how Canadians polled on plastic pollution here: https://lnkd.in/e7Re7JNX.

Josh Laughren, Executive Director and Senior Vice President of Oceana Canada, wrote a compelling letter titled "Reopening Northern Cod Fishery Repeats Past Mistakes," originally published on SaltWire. "An abundant ocean, with thriving fisheries, is well within our reach. But it will continue to exceed our grasp unless the choices we make now are different than the ones of the past. We can still change course. Otherwise, in a few years, when the sad state of northern cod is back in the news, just know that it could have been different." Read more: https://lnkd.in/eXtKku_N

In June, the Government of Canada announced the historic reopening of the commercial Northern cod fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador. However, this decision has sparked concern among scientists who warn that it jeopardizes the already precarious cod population's chances of recovery. Rebecca Schijns, fishery scientist with Oceana Canada, expressed her concerns in an interview with Canada's National Observer: "Meanwhile, the stock is projected to decline. There's not enough capelin for it to grow. And what was really missing in [DFO’s] announcement was the ecosystem connection and any management measures to support stock recovery." Read the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/gGREUJrA

ICYMI: Last week, Canada announced its newest and largest Marine Protected Area (MPA), named Tang.Gwan — hacxwiqak — Tsigis, which will be co-managed by the Haida, Nuu-chah-nulth, Pacheedaht First Nation, and Quatsino First Nations. "Oceana Canada has advocated for the protection of these vital underwater ecosystems since 2018. Marine Protected Areas are a proven conservation tool that can reverse ocean degradation and safeguard ecosystems crucial to the cultural and socioeconomic well-being of coastal communities. This new MPA designation marks a significant milestone in our efforts to protect marine biodiversity and enhance ocean life abundance," said Dr. Robert Rangeley, Oceana Canada’s Science Director. Learn more about Canada's largest MPA off the west coast of Vancouver Island here: https://lnkd.in/erVURKUW

Since 2017, 40 North Atlantic right whales have tragically died, pushing this critically endangered species closer to extinction. The crisis is particularly dire in 2024, with nine losses this year alone, many of which were breeding-age females essential for the species' future. We know that mandatory ship slowdowns and ropeless fishing gear can protect these whales from extinction. For more on this and how you can support conservation efforts to ensure the survival of the North Atlantic right whale, read our latest blog: https://lnkd.in/efsAmdA9 📷 Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, taken under NOAA research permit #15488