Unfortunately, overfishing, wasteful practices, habitat damage and pollution have brought this region to the brink of ecological collapse and decimated the coastal communities that depend on fisheries jobs. Today, instead of being known for its outstanding productivity, the Northwest Atlantic is recognized globally as an example of fisheries collapse and oceans mismanagement.
There is now agreement among fishing industry leaders, governments and scientists that things have to change. Past single-species approaches to management must be supplemented by a more holistic approach that emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem health. By seizing this opportunity and working together, we can return the ecoregion to a balanced state – where healthy fish populations support thriving coastal communities, where whales and seabirds flourish, and where Canada is recognized as a global leader in oceans and fisheries management.
There is now agreement among fishing industry leaders, governments and scientists that things have to change. Past single-species approaches to management must be supplemented by a more holistic approach that emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem health. By seizing this opportunity and working together, we can return the ecoregion to a balanced state – where healthy fish populations support thriving coastal communities, where whales and seabirds flourish, and where Canada is recognized as a global leader in oceans and fisheries management.
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