Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson has launched Canada’s Whalesafe Fishing Gear Strategy – a five-year plan to support protection of whales and promote sustainable fisheries. The strategy aims to work with harvesters to implement safe and innovative fishing gear technology in fisheries across Canada where needed.
Whalesafe fishing practices such as the use of on-demand, or ropeless fishing gear can help prevent whale entanglements, and additional tools can reduce the impact of entanglements on whales if they do occur. Whalesafe gear is seen as an important part of Canada’s efforts to protect and recover endangered whale populations and supports the sustainability, leadership and competitiveness of Canada’s fisheries.
‘Harvesters have been leading the way on safer gear and innovative fishing practices for years. This Whalesafe Fishing Gear Strategy builds on that work, bringing more tools into the fisheries where they can help reduce entanglements, protect whales, and keep crews safe on the water. We’ll keep working closely with industry, Indigenous partners, and experts to expand what’s proven, practical, and ready to use,’ said Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson.
Developed through extensive engagement with harvesters, gear manufacturers, Indigenous groups, non-governmental organisations, and whale experts, the strategy reflects shared expertise and a common goal of safe, successful fisheries and healthier whale populations.
The Minister commented that as whalesafe gear is introduced, Canada will take an approach that reflects the realities of our diverse fisheries and supports safe operations on the water.
The Whalesafe Fishing Gear Strategy will initially focus on fisheries on Canada’s east coast, with plans to identify and implement appropriate measures nationwide by 2030 to help prevent entanglements in Canadian waters. This work is already underway with active pilot projects.
In select eastern Canadian fisheries, ongoing gear testing enables harvesters to continue fishing in areas closed due to right whale detection if their gear is equipped with required whalesafe gear modifications.
DFO has supported testing and innovation of whalesafe fishing gear through the $20M Whalesafe Gear Adoption Fund from 2021 to 2023, which supported 34 projects, as well as through other funding programmes such as the Atlantic Fisheries Fund and the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk.
