Oceans
The world’s oceans produce 70 percent of the oxygen that sustains life on the planet. They play a crucial role in climate change because of their ability to absorb carbon dioxide. They are a source of food for about one billion people, and fishing is the principal livelihood for over 200 million of them around the world. With the world’s longest coastline, bordering three oceans, water is Canada’s biggest global endowment.
Once considered an inexhaustible source of food, our oceans are now in a state of global crisis caused by overfishing—the single biggest threat to ocean life—and by poor management.
WWF-Canada is catalyzing a transition to sustainable seafood, smart oceans management, and sustainable ocean economies to ensure that all three of Canada’s oceans remain ecologically rich and economically prosperous.
Over the past 50 years, many of the ocean’s large fish such as tuna, cod, and sharks have been fished to the point of collapse and about 80 percent of the world’s fish stocks are either fully exploited, overexploited, or depleted. Bycatch is among the most problematic aspects of modern fishing. Every day millions of non-target fish are caught and die, including more than 250,000 marine turtles, 300,000 cetaceans and thousands of endangered sharks annually.
Once considered an inexhaustible source of food, our oceans are now in a state of global crisis caused by overfishing—the single biggest threat to ocean life—and by poor management.
WWF-Canada is catalyzing a transition to sustainable seafood, smart oceans management, and sustainable ocean economies to ensure that all three of Canada’s oceans remain ecologically rich and economically prosperous.
Over the past 50 years, many of the ocean’s large fish such as tuna, cod, and sharks have been fished to the point of collapse and about 80 percent of the world’s fish stocks are either fully exploited, overexploited, or depleted. Bycatch is among the most problematic aspects of modern fishing. Every day millions of non-target fish are caught and die, including more than 250,000 marine turtles, 300,000 cetaceans and thousands of endangered sharks annually.
School of Bigeye trevally
Other demands on our ocean resources are also growing fast. Shipping, tourism, oil and gas, renewable energy, and the growth of coastal communities all take a toll on ocean habitats and species. Climate change brings the added impacts of changing ocean temperatures and acidification. We urgently need smart, streamlined ocean management plans that provide certainty to ocean users, protect important ocean ecosystems, and keep all our oceans healthy now and into the future.
With proper management it is possible to rebuild the world's fisheries and dramatically improve the health and resilience of Canada’s oceans.
With proper management it is possible to rebuild the world's fisheries and dramatically improve the health and resilience of Canada’s oceans.
Rainbow Seastar.
Bowie Seamount – Sgaan Kinghlas
7th Marine Wonder of Canada...Why a unique underwater oasis off British Columbia’s West Coast has been designated a marine protected area. Read more...
Two orca whales in the Pacific Ocean
Pacific Region
Mexico oil spill
Our WWF-US colleagues have produced a special report and video since the Gulf spill. It's a reminder of the negative impact oil and gas drilling could have on the people and wildlife in the Arctic. And the potential impact of oil and gas activity on our coastal ocean communities and ecosystems. Read the report.
Small boats tied to a wharf in a small fishing village in the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Atlantic Region
Right whale
Untangling whales
Over 70% of North Atlantic right whales bear scars from being entangled in fishing gear. Find out more