Fisheries on Canada's Pacific east coast: The impact of extended jurisdiction on exploitation patterns

Abstract

Canada's assumption of a 200-mile fisheries jurisdiction has laid the basis for improved management of her Pacific coast fish stocks. The overexploitation of groundfish resources by foreign fleets has been curbed and damage to halibut stocks has been contained. But the impact of extended jurisdiction has not been wholly favourable to Canada's Pacific fishing interests. The important salmon fishery is subject to an increased threat of U.S. interception and remains vulnerable to a possible uncontrolled foreign fishery on the high seas. Fisheries relations with the U.S. have been exacerbated by the emergence of several transboundary stock problems, while Canadian fishermen have lost access to important traditional fishing grounds off the U.S. coast. The once substantial foreign fishing effort — notably that of the U.S.S.R. and Japan — has been greatly reduced. Continuing foreign access has been permitted in respect of minor stocks that are surplus to Canada's immediate harvesting plans. The conditions of access have not been particularly attractive to foreign fleets and foreign effort may be phased out as Canada's harvesting requirements increase. The new management regime promises an improved long run yield from Canada's Pacific coast fisheries, with a larger volume of fish products entering international trade.