Fisheries and Oceans

The committee met to study the factors determining opening and closing dates of marine harvesting seasons. Appearing were Bernard Vigneault, Director General of the Ecosystem Science Directorate; Todd Williams, Senior Director of Resource Management - Operations; and Neil Davis, Regional Director of the Fisheries Management Branch, Pacific Region, all from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).

Bernard Vigneault explained that DFO uses scientific data, including egg and larvae surveys, to assess stocks like Atlantic mackerel, and that harvesters are included in the peer-review process for science advice. He noted that the U.S. assesses a combined northern and southern mackerel stock, while Canada only assesses the northern component, and that about 20% of the U.S. quota comes from the shared northern stock. He said high catch rates are not always an indicator of stock health, as depleted stocks can still aggregate, and that large fish are critical for reproduction. He recommended that updated science advice for mackerel, scheduled for May 2027, will include U.S. removals.

Todd Williams stated that safety is the top priority in setting season dates, and that DFO works closely with the Coast Guard, Transport Canada, and harvesters to monitor ice conditions and adjust openings. He said most fisheries have set season dates agreed in advance, but flexibility is maintained through variation orders to respond to conditions. He acknowledged that equipment delays, such as icebreakers arriving late, can impact the snow crab fishery, and that post-season debriefs are held to identify improvements. He disagreed with the suggestion that a fixed opening date alone would solve logistical problems, emphasizing the need for contingency planning.

Neil Davis testified that no group has veto power over DFO's decisions on opening and closing fisheries, and that the department strives for consensus with first nations and other users but will make decisions without it if necessary. He explained that the 2025 Fraser River sockeye fishery was constrained by comigrating stocks, particularly the late summer run, which limited fishing opportunities despite high overall abundance. He said the department has started pre-season discussions earlier to improve in-season communication. He noted that the recent reduction in the Pacific halibut total allowable catch was borne entirely by Canada because the U.S. threatened economic coercion, and that follow-up discussions on allocations are planned. He stated that mass marking of hatchery salmon will be ramped up over several years, with potential mark-selective fisheries in the Strait of Georgia and west coast of Vancouver Island, and that an evaluation framework for proposals is being finalized.

The meeting began with the election of Hedy Fry as chair, after other nominees declined. No procedural debate, motions, or votes occurred beyond the election.