Fisheries

Taking Action - What is Being Done, What Can You Do?

Photo credit: Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Particularly since 1996, there have been many regulatory and technological changes in the way B.C. fisheries are managed to reduce impacts of commercial fishing and improve conservation.

Recent provincial, national, and international efforts intended to improve sustainability of fisheries include:

• Canada’s Policy for Conservation of Wild Salmon
• Canadian Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing Operations
• Pacific Fisheries Resource Conservation Council
• Marine Stewardship Council
• B.C. Pacific Salmon Forum

For progress in other areas of human impact on marine ecosystems see Climate Change and Ecosystem Protection.

---

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

As a consumer, learn about fisheries conservation issues and make sure that seafood products you buy come from fisheries with sustainable fishing practices. Find out more:

• Pacific Fisheries Resource Conservation Council
  View reports and information about the conservation and environmental sustainability of Pacific salmon stocks.

• Marine Stewardship Council
  Look for seafood products that are MSC-certified as coming from fisheries that follow environmentally and socially responsible practices.

• Ocean Wise
  Led by the Vancouver Aquarium, this program helps local restaurants and their patrons choose sustainably harvested seafood.

For detailed information, including graph data, see In-Depth report [pdf].