Fishery Notice

Due to the current exceptional circumstances associated with the emergence of 
the COVD-19 virus, at-sea observer requirements pose a threat to the proper 
management and control of fisheries. The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans 
Canada has issued a Fisheries Management Order (FMO 2020-01) under section 9.1 
of the Fisheries Act to lift the 

existing at-sea observer requirements imposed under existing licences to fish, 
which create a human health risk for at-sea observers and fishers and 
constitute a public human health risk.

Effective immediately, all fishing activities authorized under the Fisheries 
Act must be carried out without any at-sea observers being onboard fishing 
vessels. Any person authorized to carry out fishing activities under the 
Fisheries Act is required to not authorize any at-sea observer to come on board 
any fishing vessel.

Fisheries Management Order 2020-01 prevails over any regulations made under the 
Fisheries Act, any orders issued under those regulations, and over any 
conditions of any lease or licence issued under that Act. 

The Fisheries Management Order takes effect on the day it is signed (April 2, 
2020) and remains in effect for a period of 45 days. 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) - Information for industry

Canadian fisheries and aquaculture sectors provide the world with sustainably-
sourced, high quality, high value, fish and seafood.

Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard is committed to supporting our 
fisheries and aquaculture industry during these difficult times.  The 
Government of Canada is taking the necessary steps to ensure that you can 
continue to operate safely and effectively and we will continue to keep you 
informed of the latest developments.

Visit our website to find out more: http://dfo-mpo.gc.ca/covid19/industry-
industrie/index-eng.html
   
The 24 hour toll-free phone-in line for fisheries notices is 1-866-431-3474.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Please Contact Geneviève Cauffopé, Chief of Regulations and Policy, 
Conservation and Protection, at 604-666-0588

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0351
Sent April 3, 2020 at 1621

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Visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Printed from the Pacific Region web site on May 15, 2026 at 0452