The sustainability of Canada’s fish resources has been in decline since the 1970s. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s Canada earned a “C” for the change in its Marine Trophic Index. By the 1990s and over 2000 to 2006, Canada's Marine Trophic Index steadily declined, getting a “D” grade.
Canada has made some progress by applying a precautionary approach, integrated management, fishing capacity reductions, and selected fishing strategies. But more can be done to achieve sustainable fisheries. According to the OECD, Canada should continue to strengthen partnerships among stakeholders through international agreements, and continue to improve regulatory regimes and enforcement mechanisms.2
Increases in information exchange, research, monitoring, and enforcement along with a continued effort to reduce overfishing in Atlantic fisheries will contribute to sustainability over the long term.
Use the drop-down menu to compare the change in Canada’s Marine Trophic Index with that of its peer countries.