Fishery Notice

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is implementing changes to the terms of reference for commercial fisheries management advisory boards, to address concerns raised through a number of forums, including the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans  and West Coast Commercial Fisheries Modernization engagement meetings, to promote that those actively working in Pacific commercial fisheries are adequately represented and have an effective voice at commercial fishery advisory board tables. DFO is examining the terms of reference for each commercial fishery advisory board, identifying potential gaps in representation, and seeking to address these in coordination with the respective boards. 

BACKGROUND:
Commercial fisheries management advisory boards are a primary mechanism for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to convene fisheries participants to provide coordinated analysis and advice to the Department with regard to fisheries in Pacific Region. This advice contributes to the Department's ongoing development of Integrated Fisheries Management Plans (IFMPs) and management decision-making. Advisory boards are a venue for disseminating information, for members to raise the interests and concerns of their group and keep their group informed; for receipt of analysis and advice; relationship-building, discussion and dialogue, between and among the diverse range of fisheries participants; and, a mechanism for DFO to support transparency in decision-making.

To perform these functions most effectively, commercial fishery advisory boards should include representation of those who are actively working in the fishery. As commercial fisheries participation changes, so to should the composition of fisheries advisory boards evolve. Through a number of forums, including the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans and West Coast Commercial Fisheries Modernization engagement meetings, the Department has heard concerns that some advisory boards do not have representation from working harvesters, and/or that where working harvesters are represented, they may not feel they can speak freely due to dynamics among members. 

To address these concerns, DFO is implementing changes to the terms of reference for commercial fisheries advisory boards, to promote that those actively working in Pacific commercial fisheries are adequately represented and have an effective voice. The Department is examining the terms of reference for each commercial fishery advisory board, identifying potential gaps in representation, and seeking to address these in coordination with the respective boards. In addition, the Department is adding codes of conduct to commercial fishery advisory board terms of reference. 

Advisory board membership reviews and changes, where necessary, will occur over the next couple of years, beginning with the following fisheries before March 31, 2026: 
- Groundfish fisheries, including Sablefish, Halibut, Hook and Line, and Trawl
- Dive fisheries, including Geoduck, Green Sea Urchin, Red Sea Urchin and Sea Cucumber
- Prawn
- Herring
- Salmon

We will proceed with the same work for other commercial fisheries advisory boards in 2026-27. 

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and assistance with these efforts through your respective advisory board(s) or DFO Fishery Manager(s).
 
If you have general questions about this effort, please contact Lindsay Gardner, Regional Policy Coordinator, at Lindsay.Gardner@dfo-mpo.gc.ca. 

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN1211
Sent November 13, 2025 at 1318

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Printed from the Pacific Region web site on April 19, 2026 at 0207