Advocates say the observer program for Atlantic Canada’s fisheries is ‘broken,’ with many fisheries failing to meet required levels for monitoring by at-sea observers. The at-sea observer program has been plagued by labour shortages, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning many fishing vessels are not carrying at-sea observers with them as frequently as required by Fisheries and Oceans Canada targets. Many fisheries are falling well below coverage targets, according to advocates and documents obtained by CBC News through access to information requests. In the meantime, without sufficient coverage, information needed to effectively manage stocks is lacking. Coverage targets are set at five to 20 per cent, and in some cases 100 per cent , depending on the fishery.

Source: CBC News December 27, 2025 10:44 UTC