Oceans

Orcas have sophisticated social structures, varied feeding strategies and unique dialects. The Salish Sea, next to Vancouver, B.C., is home to the iconic — and endangered — southern resident orcas. Their poor status is directly linked to the scarcity of Chinook salmon, their diet staple.

Decisive and strong policies are needed for these two interdependent species to survive and thrive in the face of climate change, industrial development, ocean acidification and invasive species.  

With proper management, fisheries can provide sustainable livelihoods within the bounds of the ecosystems that support them. Canada’s fisheries record is mixed. Some stocks are well managed. Others are in deep trouble.

Canada is slowly transitioning its fisheries toward protecting the ecosystem as the priority. But support for sustainable seafood producers is hampered by poor labelling and traceability requirements. Proper seafood labelling has broad public support and technology exists to accurately trace fish from catch to cashier. The federal government needs to improve legislation and regulations to bring the industry into the 21st century.

International co-operation for greater ocean protection marks a growing shift in the mainstream perception of the seas from a resource storehouse and dumping ground for wastes to a source of life. Despite the historical damage, science suggests we can achieve substantial recovery of the abundance, structure and function of marine life and strengthen the services oceans provide within 30 years. We can turn the oceans around. It makes sense for the economy, for human well-being and for the environment.  

Open net-pen fish farms pose serious risks to wild salmon. Decades of research show that these farms expose migrating wild salmon forced to navigate past them to parasites and disease. Foundation staff advocate for farms to be moved away from areas near wild salmon migration routes and support Indigenous nations’ rights to decide activities allowed on their lands and in their waters.