The evolution of conservation harvesting in Atlantic Canada

In Atlantic Canada fishing has been an essential provider of food and employment for centuries. The development of engine power and more efficient fishing techniques made it possible to fish in previously inaccessible areas and to improve harvest levels, leading to destructive effects on the marine ecosystem. Overexploitation, bycatch and subsequent discards are the side effects of fishing on the ecosystem. These combined with ghost fishing have all led to depletion of fish stocks and destruction of fish habitat. Recently there have been attempts to reverse this damage to the marine environment and to prevent further destruction. There have been many influences on these attempts to develop environmentally friendly harvesting techniques. Environmental groups, the media, the general public, markets, fish harvesters and governments have all played a role in responsible harvesting developments. Fishing gear modifications have led to improved gear selectivity and a reduction in damage to the seabed. Efforts have been made to retrieve lost fishing gear and to prevent the loss of gear in the future. Regulations have been put in place to ensure that responsible harvesting techniques are used and that mistakes from the fishery of the past are not repeated. Despite the initial costs associated with improving fishing gear, the benefits far outweigh the costs, improving the quality and landed value of catches as well as ensuring a sustainable fishery for future generations