Canadian Fisheries: Types, Methods, and Industry Challenges

What were the Beothuk known for?

The Beothuk were the native people of Newfoundland who survived on a diet of fish.

What happened to the Beothuk population due to British and French settlements?

The Beothuk were forced inland, leading to a decrease in their population due to lack of food sources.

Who was John Cabot and what did he discover?

John Cabot was sent by the British King to explore; he discovered the Grand Banks, where cod were so abundant that one could 'walk across their backs.'

What are the two main types of fisheries in Canada?

Freshwater fisheries (in lakes and rivers) and saltwater fisheries (in oceans).

What is the difference between recreational fishing and subsistence fishing?

Recreational fishing is for pleasure or competition, while subsistence fishing is for survival.

How much revenue does sport fishing generate in British Columbia?

Sport fishing generates $288 million a year in GDP in British Columbia.

What is commercial fishing?

Commercial fishing is the activity of capturing fish and seafood for economic profit.

What are groundfish?

Groundfish are fish that feed and are caught near the ocean floor, such as cod and halibut.

What are pelagic fish?

Pelagic fish are those that feed and are caught near the surface, such as salmon and tuna.

What are shellfish?

Shellfish include mollusks and crustaceans, such as shrimp, lobster, and oysters.

What is the primary method of fishing inshore?

Inshore fishing uses small boats with limited gear and typically involves day trips.

What is the primary method of fishing offshore?

Offshore fishing uses large ships with a variety of gear and can last for two weeks or more.

What is purse seining?

Purse seining is a method of fishing that involves circling a school of fish with a net.

What is gill netting?

Gill netting is a method where passing fish get caught in a net.

What is otter trawling?

Otter trawling involves dragging a bag-shaped net along the ocean floor.

What led to the collapse of the East Coast fishery?

The collapse was due to overfishing, improved fishing technology, uncontrolled foreign fishing, destructive practices, and changes in natural conditions.

What is aquaculture?

Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms under controlled conditions.

What are some risks associated with aquaculture?

Risks include farmed fish escaping and posing biological risks to wild populations, and pollution from farming practices.

What happened to the cod industry in 1992?

The cod industry in the Grand Banks collapsed, with less than 1% of the initial population remaining.

What is bycatch?

Bycatch refers to the unintended capture of non-target fish or marine species during fishing.

What are some environmental threats to commercial fishing?

Environmental threats include climate change, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species.

What is the impact of foreign fishing fleets on Canadian fisheries?

Foreign fishing fleets have caught more fish than can be sustained, contributing to the decline of fish stocks.

What is the significance of the Grand Banks?

The Grand Banks were historically one of the richest fishing grounds, heavily fished for cod and other species.

What is the current status of the fishing industry in Canada?

The fishing industry remains a significant source of income, with over 1 million tons of fish harvested in 2005.

What are the main species farmed in Canadian aquaculture?

The main species are Atlantic and Pacific salmon, mussels, and trout.

How does technology affect commercial fishing?

New technology allows for easier capture of fish, including radar and GPS, and larger trawlers increase efficiency.

What is the role of the fishing industry in Canada's economy?

The fishing industry, including aquaculture, contributes significantly to Canada's GDP and employment.

How have people adapted since the collapse of the cod fishery?

People diversified their catch by catching shellfish.

What is the Turbot War?

Occurred in 1995. Conflict between Canada and Spain about fishing rights for turbot.