Question Period Note: Atlantic Halibut Negotiations

• Canada works cooperatively with other nations to ensure that internationally shared fish stocks are managed effectively, based on the best available science, and in compliance with international law.
• This Government understands well that the Atlantic halibut fishery is very important for coastal communities in Atlantic Canada, with a landed value of more than 70 million dollars in 2022.
• Canada will continue to work with France toward a fair agreement that ensures the health and sustainability of the Atlantic halibut stock, and that reflects the significant investments made by Canada and its fishing industry in the development and management of the fishery.

• The Atlantic halibut stock extends from east of Newfoundland to northeastern US waters. A small portion of the stock is found in the maritime zone of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, with about 10% outside the Canadian Exclusive Economic Zone.
• This fishery is of significant importance to Atlantic Canada, particularly coastal communities in southern Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, with landed value in excess of $70 million in 2022. The Government of Canada and Canadian industry have invested significantly in the development and sustainable management of this fishery.
• Canada has sought agreement with France since 2016 on a sharing arrangement for catches, but negotiations are ongoing. Canada’s motivation is to ensure long-term sustainability and to maintain Canadian management of the fishery.
• France has authorized catches for its fishermen of 354t, which represents more than 7% of the total catch recommended by scientific analysis. In comparison, only 1.13% of the stock biomass is found in French waters.
• On May 4, 2024, a request was received on behalf of the French fishing vessel Terre Neuvas based in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon for port access in Newfoundland and Labrador to obtain supplies to facilitate a directed Atlantic halibut fishery in in the French Maritime Area. DFO decided to deny the request.
• The same vessel (Terre Neuvas) is now confirmed to be engaged in directed fishing of Atlantic halibut in the NAFO Regulatory Area (NRA). Atlantic halibut is not a NAFO managed species, but it is part of the same overall stock complex. Directed fishing in the NRA further undermines Canadian conservation objectives for this stock and potentially further complicates negotiations.
 

If pressed on recent fishing activity
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada is aware of recent fishing activity in the high seas, adjacent to Canadian fisheries waters, by a vessel from St Pierre and Miquelon. We will continue monitor this activity, as we do with all fishing activity in international waters in the region, to ensure compliance with relevant international law and management measures.