The federal government has temporarily set aside its requirement for at-sea observers in Canadian commercial fisheries because of COVID-19. Some inshore fisheries in Canada do not require at-sea observers, but they are now routinely present on larger vessels as a licensing condition in many Canadian fisheries. Fishing companies pick up the cost of the observers, who collect scientific data and monitor fishing activity and compliance with the rules. The Nova Scotia company employs 50 at-sea observers who monitor multiple, high-value fisheries throughout Atlantic Canada, including lobster, snow crab, scallop, shrimp, tuna and swordfish. That means Canadian fisheries with the MSC label will keep their endorsement, even with the at-sea observer program on hold.

Source: CBC News April 07, 2020 09:00 UTC