Canada's Whalesafe Fishing Gear Strategy Released

New DFO Strategy Aims to Save Endangered Whales While Supporting Fisheries

In a move meant to help protect marine ecosystems and endangered species, the DFO has launched its Whalesafe Fishing Gear Strategy. This five year initiative prioritizes the protection of whales, including the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, while ensuring the sustainability of Canada's fisheries.

The strategy, released on February 3, is designed to mitigate the risk of whale entanglements in fishing gear. The focus will initially be on the Atlantic provinces, where whale populations are most at risk. Brett Gilchrist, DFO's director of national programs, emphasized the department's commitment to working alongside fish harvesters rather than imposing widespread fishery closures.

"The focus is clearly on endangered, highly endangered whale species to start," Gilchrist explained. "The North Atlantic right whale is frankly the priority right now."

The strategy includes the identification of high-risk entanglement areas and the deployment of innovative "whalesafe gear", which is engineered to prevent or minimize entanglements.

Hanna Vatcher, a right whale advocation with Oceana Canada, praised the strategy for its collaborative approach and the potential to expand the use of this gear.

"Fishers are not out there intentionally harming whales," Vatcher said. "It's just an unfortunate byproduct of the industry. But there's been a lot of fishers that have come on board to test this gear."

The strategy highlights the importance of tailoring solutions to different fisheries, as not all gear types work universally. Testing and refining these methods will be a key focus over the next 5 years.

The North Atlantic right whale remains a top priority. Encouragingly, 20 calves have been born this season - the highest number is 15 years. However, experts like Vatcher caution that more needs to be done to ensure the species' recovery, with a target of 50 calves per year needed for population stability.

The Whalesafe strategy has been shaped through years of collaboration with govenment agencies, conservation groups, Indigenous communities, and the fishing industry. Martin Maillet, executive director of the Maritime Fishermen's Union, hgihlighted the progress already made in testing on-demand gear and other methods.

"As we learn how to live together with these whales in our ecosystem, we're fine tuning these approaches", Maillet said.

The Whalesafe Fishing Gear Strategy aims to strike a balance between protecting marine life and sustaining Canada's seafood trade and market access. Vatcher noted that the strategy reflects years of effort to align the interests of conservationists and industry stakeholders.

"It provides clarity and direction on the next steps to address entanglements," she said.

The Whalesafe Fishing Gear Strategy represents a significant step forward in marine conservation, offering hope for the survival of endangered whale species while supporting the livelihoods of fish harvesters. By fostering collaboration and innovation, this initiative underscores Canada's commitment to sustainable fisheries and the protection of its marine ecosystems.

Canada's Whalesafe Fishing Gear Strategy 2026-2030

Original Story by Oliver Pearson CBC News - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/dfo-whale-safe-fishing-gear-strategy-east-coast-9.7072671