Fisheries and Oceans Canada - Maritimes Region

Learn more about recent changes to the Fisheries Act!

Changes to the Fisheries Act will help:

• restore protections for fish and fish habitat
• enhance marine protection and habitat restoration
• improve management of projects
• preserve independent inshore fisheries
• strengthen Indigenous role in project reviews, monitoring and policy development

For more information

Wishing a Happy Birthday to the Gully MPA!

Did you know? Our first Marine Protected Area turned 15 this May! The Gully MPA is the largest submarine canyon off Atlantic Canada and is home to hundreds of species from tiny plankton to some of the largest whales on earth. Even after two decades of research in the Gully, many mysteries remain, making it a place of great interest for continued research, monitoring and conservation efforts. Over the last 15 years, the Gully MPA has been collaboratively managed by our Oceans Management staff and a multi-stakeholder advisory committee.

To learn more, visit The Gully Marine Protected Area (MPA)

Shellfish harvesting map – Check before you harvest!

Check out the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program (CSSP) mapping tool to learn more about fishery openings and closures in real-time. It’s important to check the map and to read any posted signage before you harvest. If you have any questions, please contact your local Conservation and Protection detachment.

To learn more, visit The Shellfish harvesting map

Atlantic Fisheries Fund

On March 10th, we announced this $325-million investment in the fish and seafood sector. The program aims to help Atlantic Canada's seafood sector transition to meet growing market demands for high-quality and sustainably-sourced products and we have been working closely with our provincial partners to negotiate the program details. As a result, the Atlantic Fisheries Fund is now open for business with all Atlantic Provinces officially signed on.

For more info

Be whale wise!

Help us protect the whales by keeping a safe distance this summer! Whale watching is an exciting boating activity enjoyed by many. With this excitement, comes responsibility - when we get too close, approach too fast, or make too much noise, we can disrupt their activities, cause them unnecessary stress, and put their lives in danger.

How to watch marine wildlife