Ocean Wise Secures Government of Canada Funding to Advance Sustainable Development Goals in Coastal Fishing Communities

New funding will open the door for Canadian community-based fisheries to be recognized for sustainable practices

Vancouver, BC – January 30, 2025 – Ocean Wise has received nearly $850,000 in funding to support alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in three Indigenous fishing communities. 

Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Sustainable Development Goals Funding Program, the project, Advancing Sustainable Development in Fishery-Reliant Coastal Communities, marks a significant milestone in recognizing Canadian small-scale fisheries, advancing their sustainability, and increasing access to local, sustainable seafood for Canadians.

Small-scale fisheries account for 40 percent of seafood harvested globally and employing 90 percent of workers in the seafood sector. But only eight percent of global small-scale fisheries have been assessed for sustainability (Illuminating Hidden Harvests, FAO). Many of these fisheries are not evaluated for sustainability because their data and management systems do not align with standardized assessment methods.

Over the next three years, Ocean Wise will work closely with fishers from three First Nation, small-scale fisheries in British Columbia and New Brunswick to:

1. Co-create an assessment methodology that incorporates Indigenous Knowledge and assess sustainability in the three fisheries to facilitate advancing, measuring and reporting on Sustainable Development Goals progress.
2. Foster collaboration and support Sustainable Development Goals 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth and Sustainable Development) and 10 (Reduced Inequality), by connecting three Indigenous-led fisheries with a market for their sustainable seafood.
3. Educate and empower fisherfolk, businesses and the public about Canada’s sustainable Indigenous-led fisheries using the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The project seeks to deliver economic benefits to each community while sharing insights with other environmental NGOs, policymakers, seafood buyers and Ocean Wise Market Partners. This collaboration will help promote the self-determination of Indigenous-led fisheries and foster tailored markets for their unique fishery products. This work will build on Ocean Wise’s small-scale fisheries work, which includes the Rapid Seafood Assessment Standard, and the Ocean Wise Salmon Advisory Panel launched last year.

Quotes

“Canada continues to be at the forefront of implementing the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, fostering stronger, safer, and more inclusive communities that leave no one behind. Ocean Wise project supports our commitment to inclusive and sustainable economic growth, creating full and productive employment opportunities for all, while leveraging First Nations knowledge and values.” – Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Jenna Sudds

“Indigenous knowledge has historically been left out of standardized methods to assess sustainability. Thanks to this funding, we will be able to work directly with First Nations fisheries to create an improved, more equitable system for eco-labels that includes their knowledge and values. This approach leverages generations of Indigenous stewardship for a more accurate evaluation of the sustainability of fisheries.” – Samantha Renshaw, Ocean Wise Science Lead

Background Information

• Fishery-reliant coastal communities face growing challenges from overfishing and climate-related impacts, which threaten their local environment, social and economic well-being, and cultural identity.
  
• Small-scale fisheries often operate with smaller boats and hand-held gear, yielding relatively low catch volumes. Many have long histories in coastal communities whose well-being is tied to the health of the marine environment. Sustainability is not just a goal for these fisheries, but a necessity for their continued existence.
  
• Small-scale fisheries play a critical role globally, accounting for 40 percent of seafood harvested and employing 90 percent of workers in the seafood sector.
  
• Only 8 percent of global small-scale fisheries have been assessed for sustainability, with many lacking the data and management systems necessary for evaluating sustainability (Illuminating Hidden Harvests, FAO).
  
• The Ocean Wise Seafood program addresses overfishing by protecting and restoring fish stocks.
  
• The Ocean Wise Seafood Program includes over 630 business partners, ranging from award-winning restaurants to national retailers and suppliers like Sobeys, Highliner, and Joey’s Restaurant Group. These partners prioritize Ocean Wise Recommended products for their superior sustainability ratings, aligning with their seafood sustainability goals.

Learn more about Ocean Wise small-scale fisheries work here.

About Ocean Wise

Ocean Wise is a globally focused conservation organization on a mission to restore and protect our ocean. Through research, education, public engagement, and international collaboration, we empower communities to fight three major ocean challenges: ocean pollution, overfishing and climate change. By equipping and empowering individuals, communities, industries, and governments, we can create a future where people and our oceans can thrive. Ocean Wise is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia with staff across Canada and Chile, and operates conservation projects that make national and international impact.  

Media Contact: Kim Bricker
Communications Specialist, Ocean Wise
604-659-3812
[email protected]