Progress Towards Target 7.1: Percentage of major fish stocks where the harvest rate or level is at or below approved levels
Of the 155 major stocks assessed in 2011, 137 (88%) were harvested at or below approved levels, while 18 (12%) were harvested above approved levels, as shown in Figure 4.13. Stocks harvested above approved levels are recovered using quota reconciliation, where overharvest of a stock in one year is deducted from the harvest limit established for the following year.
Canada establishes harvest limits for wild fish stocks to protect stocks for the future.
For the most up-to-date information on this indicator, please visit CESI.
Figure 4.13: Number of major fish stocks harvested relative to approved levels, Canada, 2011
Above approved levels (18 stocks)
At or below other approved levels (70 stocks)
At or below removal reference (67 stocks)
12%
43%
45%
www.ec.gc.ca/indicateurs-indicators
Increasing sustainability of aquaculture
Target 7.2: Sustainable Aquaculture – To promote the conservation and optimum use of marine resources and the aquatic environment through improved aquaculture management by 2014.
The government provides science advice and proposes risk management options related to oceans. For example, the government has research programming to support regulatory work for aquaculture and ecosystem-based environmental decision-making.
In 2010, the new Pacific Aquaculture Regulations came into effect, governing activities such as licensing for fish cultivation in British Columbia. This licensing regime is consistent with the regime for other fisheries managed by the federal government, but is tailor-made to address the uniqueness of the aquaculture sector in this province.
For additional information on the implementation strategies that support this target, please consult the following website: Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Progress Towards Target 7.2: Percentage of aquaculture managed under a science-base environmental regulatory framework
The government is proposing the release of aquaculture substances regulations to authorize specified aquaculture activities under the Fisheries Act. At the same time, a complementary federal and provincial regulatory regime structure is being established to coordinate federal and provincial regulatory management measures, and to set appropriate standards of environmental protection. The new federal regulatory regime would ensure that regulatory measures are integrated across several pieces of federal and provincial legislation and regulation.
Information for this indicator will be available on the CESI website at a later date.
Progress Towards Target 7.2: Percentage of Canadian aquaculture producers certified environmentally sustainable or positioned to implement certification
Through the Aquaculture Sustainability Reporting Initiative, technical experts from the shellfish, marine finfish and freshwater fish sectors have identified certification as a key issue for sustainability reporting. They will provide advice on the development of this national certification indicator.
There are a number of existing provincial, Aboriginal and industry
certification programs, and the government is currently developing a national indicator on aquaculture certification in Canada.
Information for this indicator will be available on the CESI website at a later date.
A complementary federal and provincial regulatory regime structure is being established to coordinate federal and provincial regulatory management measures, and to set appropriate standards of environmental protection.
Target 7.3: Sustainable Forest Management – Improve the
management of Canada’s forest ecosystems through the development and dissemination of knowledge.
Advice to governments and stakeholders rooted in science helps the competitiveness of Canada’s forest sectors and the responsible stewardship of Canada’s forests.
Using this research to understand the impact of forest management activities enables the government and the provinces to develop sound policies to: support the sustainability of forests, the continuous production of desired goods and services; effectively represent domestic issues in international negotiations; and help improve environmental quality for Canadians. Understanding the impact of forest management activities also helps governments predict trends, causes and the rate of change in ecosystems, and identify ecosystems at risk as a result of climate change. Since 2007, the Forest Communities Program has helped community-based partnerships adjust to the transition of the forest sector and take advantage of emerging forest-based opportunities at 11 sites across Canada.
Scientific research helps to uphold national and international standards by recognizing Canadian work in sustainable forest management. Science is used to certify forestry practices that, in turn, open international markets to Canadian goods. The annual State of Canada’s Forest Report offers an objective assessment of Canada’s forest resources and industry, and provides key facts and summaries of trends.
From 1996 to 2011, the government supported First Nations in managing forestry resources through the First Nations Forestry Program. This program promotes partnership projects on sustainable forest management, knowledge and technology transfer, business opportunity facilitation, and support for specialized forestry technical training and work experience. The program has helped over 2400 forestry projects in First Nations communities across Canada. Over 200 publications about the results of these projects were developed in the course of the program, with 7 published in fiscal year 2010–2011.
For additional information on the implementation strategies that support this target, please consult the following websites: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, and Natural Resources Canada.
Progress Towards Target 7.3: Number of peer-reviewed publications related to forest ecosystems
Natural Resources Canada produced 224 peer-reviewed publications related to forest ecosystems between fiscal years 2009–2010 and 2011–2012.
Generating and disseminating scientific knowledge related to forest ecosystems is based on publications that have been peer reviewed to ensure that the analysis is scientifically sound. This focus on science further informs policy decisions.
Natural Resources Canada produced 224 peer-reviewed publications related to forest ecosystems between fiscal years 2009–2010 and access for Canada’s forest products.