Question Period Note: North Atlantic Right Whale

• The right whale is listed as Endangered under the Species at Risk Act since 2005. Inclusion on this list means the Government has an obligation to protect and recover the species.
• My Department works with stakeholders to adapt whale protection measures and identify innovative tools that prevent fishing gear entanglements while also demonstrating Canada’s role as a global leader in sustainable seafood.
• When a right whale is identified, in particular in shallow waters, we must act to prevent entanglements of a highly endangered species while minimizing impacts on our fisheries where possible.
• On May 17, a NARW was detected east of Miscou Island, which was within our established management lines. Following our protocols, a closure was implemented to the shoreline, implicating lobster fishing area 23.
• Based on additional data analysis, it was determined that the whale detection was likely within the 10 to 20 fathom range. For this reason, my Department has adjusted the closure requirements and harvesters can now set their traps in shallow water for the remainder of the 15-day closure period.
• Canada’s robust, adaptive right whale protection measures are key to the sustainability of Canada’s seafood exports.

• In April 2024, the Minister announced the 2024 North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW) fisheries management measures, which remain unchanged from 2023.
• In 2023, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) continues to apply adaptive measures to prevent fishing gear entanglements, such as: changes to the open and closure dates of fisheries; dynamic and seasonal closure protocols in the Gulf of St. Lawrence; dynamic closure protocols in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Bay of Fundy, and critical habitat areas (Grand Manan Basin and Roseway Basin); and special closure provisions for sightings of whale aggregations, mother and calf pairs and waters shallower than 20 fathoms; focused surveillance using acoustic underwater technology (hydrophones), aircraft and vessels to confirm the presence of whales; continued ghost gear retrieval; and collaborating with Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard to address the potential threats from vessel strikes.
• The Department is finalizing the National Whale Safe Gear Strategy and plans to share a draft with stakeholders in 2024.
• So far in 2024, there are no reported NARW mortalities, but one new entanglement was observed in the Gulf of St Lawrence on May 10, 2024.
• On October 23, 2023, the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium released the most recent population estimate of 356 whales, which indicates a slowing in decline.
• The Annual NARW Advisory Committee meeting was held in November 2023, preceded by a targeted meeting with Indigenous groups.
• In 2021, the Department launched the Whalesafe Gear Adoption Fund, a two-year $20 million contribution program to support the purchase, adoption, testing and manufacture of whalesafe fishing gear, including lower breaking strength modifications and ropeless/rope on demand systems. This program supports 34 projects across Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
• Since 2018, DFO has invested over $5.7 million to further enhance the Marine Mammal Response Program, which responds to marine mammals in distress, including disentanglement of NARWs. This funding is part of the $167.4 million Whales Initiative in Budget 2018 and $151.9 million in Budget 2023.
• The NARW was listed as Endangered in the Species at Risk Act in 2005. It is predicted the species could become extinct in 30 years if the mortality rate is not significantly reduced. The population is in decline with an estimated 340 individuals, including less than 80 fertile females.

If pressed on how we have worked with harvesters to adapt right whale protection measures
• The decision to adjust the boundaries of the closure is informed by additional data and feedback from partners and stakeholders.
• The decision was also informed by targeted additional surveillance flights and feedback from whale experts on the water, indicating that the whale has not been detected in the area waters are shallower.
• Fisheries and Oceans has made modifications to its closure protocols over the years based on input received from industry, provincial governments, Indigenous communities, academia, and whale experts. This cooperation is critical to protect this species and to support sustainable fisheries.
• My Department is also working with harvesters to incorporate whalesafe technology and practices into their operations, identifying the most suitable and safe options for the conditions of each fishery.
• We will continue to work with harvesters and experts to develop a made-in-Canada approach on whale-safe fishing gear, including a path forward on rope-on-demand fishing gear.