Only 8% of small-scale fisheries globally have been assessed for sustainability.
Ocean Wise
The conservation organization Ocean Wise has received nearly $850,000 in funding to promote the self-determination of Canadian Indigenous fisheries and foster tailored markets for their unique products.
The project "Advancing Sustainable Development in Fishery-Reliant Coastal Communities" is partly funded by the Government of Canada's Sustainable Development Goals Funding Program.
"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," assured Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Jenna Sudds.
Furthermore, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in three Indigenous fishing communities help promote the sustainability of these communities' activities and increase access to local and sustainable seafood for Canadians.
Ocean Wise's work already includes the Rapid Seafood Assessment Standard and the Ocean Wise Salmon Advisory Panel, launched last year.
Over the next three years, Ocean Wise will work with three Indigenous-led fisheries in British Columbia and New Brunswick. Planned tasks include incorporating Indigenous Knowledge and assessing their sustainability.
In addition, reports will be presented on the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals, and economic growth will be supported along with the reduction of inequalities.
Finally, information will be shared about Canada’s Indigenous-led sustainable fisheries using the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to Ocean Wise, many small-scale fisheries are not assessed for sustainability because they do not use standardized assessment methods. Only 8% of small-scale fisheries globally have been assessed for sustainability (Illuminating Hidden Harvests, FAO).
"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," explained Samantha Renshaw, Ocean Wise Science Lead.
Ocean Wise is a globally focused conservation organization on a mission to restore and protect the ocean. Through research, education, public engagement, and international collaboration, it empowers communities to fight three major ocean challenges: ocean pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
Ocean Wise is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia with staff across Canada and Chile, and operates conservation projects that make national and international impact.
