Exhibiting at Seafood Expo North America 2025

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is the federal department responsible for safeguarding Canadian waters, managing Canada's fisheries, and supporting maritime safety and environmental stewardship. Operating under the Government of Canada, DFO plays a central role in ensuring the sustainable use and protection of marine and freshwater ecosystems across one of the largest and most diverse aquatic territories in the world.

Core Business and Mandate

DFO's core responsibilities include:

• Conservation and Sustainable Use of Canada’s fisheries resources.
• Marine Safety and Navigation through the Canadian Coast Guard.
• Aquatic Ecosystem Protection from environmental threats.
• Scientific Research to support policy and operational decisions.

With jurisdiction spanning over 243,000 km of coastline—the longest in the world—DFO is uniquely positioned to influence global marine conservation and fisheries management strategies.

Key Services and Programs

DFO delivers a broad range of programs including:

• Fisheries Resource Management
• Oceans and Ecosystem Science
• Small Craft Harbours
• Aquaculture Management
• Fish Habitat Protection and Restoration
• Search and Rescue and Icebreaking (via the Canadian Coast Guard)

Its activities support both commercial and recreational fisheries, Indigenous fisheries agreements, international treaties, and enforcement of fisheries law.

Specialization and Unique Value Proposition

DFO is recognized for its:

• Integrated Science-Based Management of fisheries and oceans.
• Indigenous Reconciliation Programs that support co-management of resources.
• Robust Marine Protected Area Network, covering over 14.66% of Canada’s marine and coastal areas as of 2023.
• Leadership in International Fisheries Governance, notably through Operation North Pacific Guard and North Atlantic Fisheries Organization.

The department manages over 700 laboratories and field sites and employs more than 11,000 personnel, including scientists, officers, technicians, and policy experts.

Financials and Budget

As per Canada’s Public Accounts and Main Estimates:

• Total Budget (2023–24): CAD 3.8 billion
• Major allocations:
  • CAD 1.5 billion to the Canadian Coast Guard
  • CAD 760 million for Fisheries Resource Management
  • CAD 315 million for Oceans Protection Plan

DFO also oversees major infrastructure programs, including harbor maintenance and vessel procurement.

Shipment and Operational Data

While DFO is a regulatory and service-driven agency rather than a product exporter, it plays a significant role in monitoring and regulating:

• Over $6.4 billion in seafood exports from Canada annually.
• Enforcement of international shipping and fishing agreements via over 100 Canadian Coast Guard vessels and surveillance missions like Operation Driftnet and North Pacific Guard.

Target Market and Stakeholders

DFO serves a wide array of stakeholders including:

• Commercial and Indigenous fisheries
• Coastal communities
• Aquaculture and marine industry
• Scientific community and environmental NGOs
• International regulatory bodies

It also directly interacts with citizens through licensing, advisory services, and conservation education.

Capabilities

• Advanced hydrographic and oceanographic survey capabilities
• Icebreaking and search and rescue fleet
• World-class aquatic and climate science facilities
• AI-enabled marine surveillance and satellite data integration

DFO collaborates extensively with global partners and Canadian universities to stay at the forefront of marine science.

Certifications and Compliance

• ISO 9001-certified Canadian Hydrographic Service
• Active participant in international agreements like:
  • United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
  • Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO)
• Compliance with Canada's Fisheries Act, Species at Risk Act, and Canadian Environmental Protection Act

Testimonials and Public Sentiment

While formal customer testimonials are rare due to its governmental role, DFO has received strong public engagement for:

• Its role in creating Marine Conservation Areas
• Effective response during maritime emergencies
• Transparent scientific publications and stakeholder consultations

Major Achievements

• Established over 14% of marine territory under protection, exceeding 2020 Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
• Successfully led Operation North Pacific Guard to intercept illegal fishing vessels in partnership with U.S. and international agencies.
• Commissioned a new fleet of Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships under National Shipbuilding Strategy.
• Implemented the Blue Economy Strategy and the Oceans Protection Plan, enhancing environmental response readiness and industry resilience.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada continues to position Canada as a global leader in sustainable ocean governance and marine biodiversity protection.