With a total coastline of 243,042 km, 50% of which stretches across Inuit Nunangat (the Canadian Arctic), the ocean is essential to life from coast to coast to coast.
From seasoned fishers battling the elements, to Indigenous communities upholding fishing traditions, to individuals adapting to a changing industry, discover the unique challenges, passions, and profound connections that fishers have with the waters that they call home.
Canada exported over $8 billion worth of seafood in 2022.
Canada’s most valuable export is lobster, followed by crab and salmon
Canada exported fish and seafood products to 112 countries in 2022
The United States is Canada’s largest seafood export market, accounting for 69%
Over 72,000 people in Canada make their living directly from fishing and fishing-related activities
There are over 3.2 million active recreational fishers (anglers) across Canada
From coast to coast to coast, and the waterways in between, Fish Tales brings you real stories from the diverse fishers of Canada. Whether it’s cod, salmon, crab, or trout, fishing is more than just a way of life to diverse communities in Canada — it’s a culture, and most importantly a core sense of identity to coastal, lake, and river peoples. We chat with Indigenous fishers exercising their traditional fishing rights, commercial fishers advocating for their livelihoods, and recreational fishers sharing their passion. Together these stories share a glimpse into the vibrant world of fishing in Canada.
Learn from fishers who hold deep connections to the waters they call home. These stories provide valuable insights into the industry, sustainable practices, and the cultural significance of fishing, particularly in Indigenous communities. Use these tips to integrate these media resources into your practice.
Coastlines is a five-part CBC Creator Network series about what awaits Canadian coastlines and marine life in the near future, as well as the young researchers who are working to make that future a good one. Co-hosted by Connel Bradwell, a wildlife conservationist and educator living on Vancouver Island, and Erica Porter, a commercial fisher and science technician in Nova Scotia. The series will take you on a journey to ecosystems of the West, North, and East coasts.
Coastlines is a five-part CBC Creator Network series about what awaits Canadian coastlines and marine life in the near future, as well as the young researchers who are working to make that future a good one. Sharks are often understudied, misrepresented, and misunderstood in both the public eye and the scientific community. In this video, we hear the importance of shark conservation and research.
Coastlines is a five-part CBC Creator Network series about what awaits Canadian coastlines and marine life in the near future, as well as the young researchers who are working to make that future a good one. Aquatic mammals on Canada’s coastlines have followed the same intricate patterns and life cycles for thousands of years. But today, these species are having to adapt to a rapidly changing ocean environment. Luckily, young Canadian researchers are working to change this. At the forefront of cetacean research, they are strategizing new ways we can protect whales in marine waters and better understand their complex and highly intelligent lives.
Coastlines is a five-part CBC Creator Network series about what awaits Canadian coastlines and marine life in the near future, as well as the young researchers who are working to make that future a good one. Canada’s coastlines are home to millions of birds that connect the ocean with the land. They make epic journeys and have incredible adaptations to master multiple ecosystems. However, this often puts them at the forefront of the climate crisis, which is why conservation and research has never been more important.
Coastlines is a five-part CBC Creator Network series about what awaits Canadian coastlines and marine life in the near future, as well as the young researchers who are working to make that future a good one. As marine environments are increasingly threatened by pressures such as plastic pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change, scientists and environmental advocates are looking to implement solutions to help protect the health of the ocean.
What is sustainable seafood? Let’s explore where seafood comes from! Learn about the pros and cons of different cod fishing methods, and follow the path a fish takes from sea to plate. Ocean School is a free environmental education resource for students in grades 5 to 12, bringing inspiring and immersive multimedia resources featuring linear and 360˚ videos, VR/AR, interactive media, and hands-on projects and activities in English and French.
Learn about the pros and cons of different cod fishing methods, and follow the path a fish takes from sea to plate. In this episode, youth host Holly George & oceanographer Dr. Boris Worm explore the pros and cons of different cod fishing methods.
Learn about the pros and cons of different cod fishing methods, and follow the path a fish takes from sea to plate. In this episode, learn all about sustainable seafood practices in a restaurant in Fogo Island, Newfoundland.
Learn about the pros and cons of different cod fishing methods, and follow the path a fish takes from sea to plate. In this episode, join youth host Holly George to learn about sustainable fishing, from preserving cod in salt to grading fish quality.
Learn about the pros and cons of different cod fishing methods, and follow the path a fish takes from sea to plate. In this episode, join fisher Michael Ford as he fishes for cod off the coast of Fogo Island, Newfoundland.
Learn about the pros and cons of different cod fishing methods, and follow the path a fish takes from sea to plate. In this episode, learn how fishing gear is tested in a 360° visit to the biggest flume tank in the world.
Learn about the pros and cons of different cod fishing methods, and follow the path a fish takes from sea to plate. In this episode, join youth host Holly George to learn how you can support sustainable fishing. Be inspired, and take action!
This docuseries was developed with funding from Telus Storyhive. Each episode features one or two characters that highlight their lives and the challenges of those currently working on the waters off northern Vancouver Island. It explores topics about sport fishing and commercial fishing, preservation of salmon habitat, Indigenous rights and challenges with fish stock, women on the water, fish enumeration work (wild coho), and wildlife tourism.
Explore waterways and wildlife of the Campbell River region with Wild Waterways Adventures tour operator Jenefer Smalley. Learn about the changing marine industry and tour Fisherman’s Wharf with local Tim Hobbs, owner/operator of marine equipment stores, Redden Net Campbell River & Port Hardy. This docuseries was developed with funding from Telus Storyhive.
Marine instructor Clive Quigley’s storied life at sea inspires his lyrics and music. Aboard the Kum-Bah-Yah, Charlie White’s fishing legacy is proudly upheld by his son Chad and grandson Kai in a new way. This docuseries was developed with funding from Telus Storyhive.
Follow fish technicians John and Zach from the A-Tlegay Fisheries Society, a non-profit collaboration between five First Nations, as they tag wild coho and dive for an estuary clean-up. This docuseries was developed with funding from Telus Storyhive.
Come aboard the Intangible A$$et with Chief Ronnie Chickite of the We Wai Kai First Nation & owner/operator of Three Daughters Fishing Co. Ronnie reflects on today’s realities of making a livelihood commercial fishing while he brings in the prawns with his crew. This docuseries was developed with funding from Telus Storyhive.
Meet George Cuthbert from King Pacific Lodge. Hear fireside stories filled with love & laughs, family, close-knit crew, and the future vision for this unique fishing lodge that spends summer in Bella Bella and winters near Campbell River, BC. This docuseries was developed with funding from Telus Storyhive.