Bill C-237
Defeated
An Act to amend the Fisheries Act (Atlantic groundfish fisheries)
This bill would change how the federal government manages Atlantic groundfish fisheries (like cod) by shifting from a stock-based approach to a species-based approach under the Fisheries Act.
Sponsor · Jonathan Rowe
What it means for you
Atlantic fishers and coastal communities could see changes in how fishing rules are set and enforced, potentially affecting what, when, and how much people are allowed to fish.
The debate · 4 points
Supporters say
- Changing to a species-based approach could give fishers more flexibility, potentially allowing struggling coastal families to access fish for food more easily and reduce grocery costs.
- The current stock-based management system may be too restrictive for small-boat fishers in Newfoundland and Labrador, and this bill aims to modernize how the rules work.
Critics say
- Critics question whether the bill's sponsor consulted with fishing industry organizations before introducing it, raising concerns that it may not reflect what fishers actually need.
- Shifting from stock-based to species-based science and management is a significant change whose real-world impacts on fish populations and the fishing industry are unclear without broader consultation.
Where do you stand on this bill?
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