Pre-Budget Report Includes Positive Measures for Fisheries Science

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2023

OTTAWA, ON: Today’s pre-budget report, released by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance, includes several positive measures for fisheries science. The Fisheries Council of Canada (FCC) is pleased to see these measures as recognition of the importance of a sufficient science in supporting data-based fisheries management decisions.

FCC made several pre-budget recommendations that have been considered in the report. It is encouraging to see recommendations from the federal government to increase funding for fisheries science and prioritize the hiring and retention of fisheries scientists. The fisheries industry has been a strong advocate for improved fisheries science to support maximum sustainable use, balancing conservation with food production.

“The industry relies on sufficient science from the government to inform sustainable fisheries management decisions, and a commitment to these measures will go a long way in ensuring Canada maintains its position as one of the most sustainable fishing countries in the world,” said Paul Lansbergen, President, FCC. “Better science means a stronger fisheries industry to support our coastal communities, national economy and international food system.”

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The Fisheries Council of Canada (FCC) is the voice of Canada’s wild capture fish and seafood industry, promoting a healthy resource and prosperous industry playing a vital role in the Canadian economy. Our members include small, medium and larger-sized companies along with Indigenous enterprises that harvest and process fish from Canada’s three oceans.

For more information or to set up an interview please contact:
Kelly McCarthy
Manager, Communications
kmccarthy@fisheriescouncil.ca