1.3: Fisheries Renewal
Develop a new governance model for fisheries management, including proposals to modernize the Fisheries Act. Other Information:
Wild fisheries are under increasing environmental pressure and there is ongoing conflict over fisheries allocations. There
is a requirement to better manage environmental impacts of fishing, respond to the need to protect species at risk and participate
in broader oceans management initiatives. With the increase in the range of ocean uses, interested groups beyond the traditional
fisheries sector seek input into fisheries management decisions. Aboriginal treaty negotiations and settlements continue
to shape the fisheries economy. Challenges exist in addressing commercial access for west coast First Nations and developing
new models and approaches to co-management with Aboriginal groups across the country. There also remains strong provincial
and territorial interest in fisheries issues, requiring continued and strengthened intergovernmental co-operation. Fisheries
Renewal is an approach to meet short-term fiscal and program needs, set the stage for medium-term change and accommodate long-term
direction. Ultimately, the fisheries management program will become more strategic, flexible and responsive to the needs of
departmental clients.The objective of Fisheries Renewal is to ensure a sustainable resource that provides for an economically
viable and diverse industry, supported by a modern fisheries governance system. The five-year goals of Fisheries Renewal
are:put conservation and sustainable use of the fishery as top management priorities; promote the economic viability of the
fishery by encouraging increased self-reliance and shared stewardship; provide greater stability and transparency respecting
access and allocation, as the key to a more stable and predictable business and operating environment for fishing enterprises;
improve Fisheries Management decision-making processes by increasing transparency and the participation of stakeholders, Aboriginal
groups, and others; and manage the fishery consistent with Aboriginal and treaty rights. Strategies to achieve the vision
have been developed through consultative exercises on both coasts, including the Atlantic Fisheries Policy Framework, Pacific
New Directions, the Joint Task Group on Post-Treaty Fisheries and the First Nations Panel on Fisheries. The consultations
associated with these initiatives have built support for the direction of Fisheries Renewal. Although DFO faces financial
constraints and a lack of public consensus on how to manage the fishery, the Department must move forward to revitalize its
fisheries management program. The Fisheries Renewal agenda includes three streams of work to enable program and legislative
renewal while putting in place the necessary operational supports.Conservation, Stewardship and Compliance Renewal will be
undertaken to focus on improving conservation outcomes through a new relationship with all resource users based on shared
responsibility and accountability for resource management and its outcomes. Legislative Renewal will be explored to develop
options and innovative regulatory and governance approaches to support Fisheries Renewal. A Business Modernization Initiative
will ensure business structures and practices complement and enable policy, program and legislative renewal.
Indicator(s):
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