Calling for an immediate moratorium on Pacific herring fishery

Please read the following press release from the Green Party and letter sent by Elizabeth May, MP for Saanich–Gulf Islands and Leader of the Green Party of Canada, to the Hon. Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, regarding the need for an immediate moratorium on the Pacific herring fishery.

Link to pdf of letter


OTTAWA – The Green Party of Canada is condemning the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) for its reckless decision to increase the Pacific herring harvest rate, despite clear warnings from First Nations and scientists that herring stocks are in dire decline.

“This decision is a complete failure of environmental stewardship,” said Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. “DFO is ignoring both the precautionary principle and the inherent rights of Indigenous communities. We stand with the WSÁNEČ Hereditary Chiefs in calling for an immediate moratorium on the herring fishery.”

On January 17, 2025, the DFO approved an increase in the Pacific herring harvest rate from 10 per cent to 14 per cent, despite a Declaration signed by six WSÁNEČ Hereditary Chiefs in November 2024 demanding an end to the fishery. The Green Party warns that this decision threatens not only herring populations but also the entire coastal ecosystem.

“Herring are the foundation of the marine food web,” said Dr. Gadfly Stratton, Green Party Fisheries Critic. “They are essential for chinook salmon, which in turn are the primary food source for the critically endangered Southern Resident Orcas. The science is clear: continued overfishing of herring will have devastating ripple effects throughout the ecosystem.”

The decision to increase harvest rates despite these alarming declines has been met with widespread opposition from First Nations, environmental organizations, marine-dependent businesses, and ecotourism operators.

“We are watching an ecological crisis unfold in real time, yet DFO, under the current  Liberal government, refuses to act responsibly,” Dr. Stratton continued. “Instead of protecting this keystone species, they are approving increased catch limits. This is beyond short-sighted, it is irresponsible governance.”

The Green Party fully supports the WSÁNEČ Nations as they prepare to host the HELIT TŦE S„O⁰,ET (Let the Herring Live) Forum on February 13, 2025, at Tsawout First Nation. This gathering will bring together First Nations leaders, fisheries scientists, environmental advocates, and marine industry stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions and push for an end to the herring fishery before it’s too late.

“The Green Party is committed to rebuilding herring populations and ensuring fisheries management is guided by science and Indigenous leadership,” said May. “We call on Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier to reverse this reckless decision and take immediate action to protect this vital species.”

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For more information or to arrange an interview : 

Fabrice Lachance Nové

Press secretary

514-463-0021

[email protected]


The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

January 30, 2025

Re: DFO decision to increase herring harvest

Dear Minister,

I am writing to echo the concerns raised by six WSÁNEĆ Hereditary Chiefs, as well as many other stakeholders and partners, regarding DFO’s recent decision to increase the Pacific herring harvest rate from 10 per cent of biomass in 2024 to 14 per cent in 2025. This decision was made despite the WSÁNEĆ Hereditary Chiefs calling on DFO in November 2024 to place an immediate moratorium on the Pacific herring fishery.

Pacific herring are crucial for marine biodiversity in the Strait of Georgia. Unregulated commercial fisheries in the area pose a significant threat to the current population. The best strategy to encourage the recovery of the herring population is to place an immediate moratorium on the commercial gilnet and seine herring fisheries until the ecosystem recovers. A commercial fisheries moratorium and protection program will protect the current herring population and will encourage population recovery to sustainable levels.

Canada is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Accordingly we should be regulating the herring population with cultural knowledge by listening to the advice and experiences of the W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations. By ignoring the November 2024 call to action from the W̱SÁNEĆ Hereditary Chiefs, DFO is setting a worrying precedent for meaningful consultation with Indigenous peoples. Consistent and meaningful consultation on sustainable fishing with indigenous groups within the riding will encourage meeting our ocean conservation targets and ultimately restoring the herring population.

I ask that you cancel the decision to increase the herring harvest rate for 2025 and instead place an immediate moratorium on the Pacific herring fishery. Such action must be immediately taken to prevent ecological collapse and harm to already at-risk species like chinook salmon and Southern Resident Killer Whales.

Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth May, O.C.
Member of Parliament
Saanich-Gulf Islands
Leader of the Green Party of Canada