Working with the Fishing Industry
The offshore oil and natural gas industry conducts its operations in Atlantic Canada with a goal of minimizing its operational impact on the environment and other ocean users. The oil and natural gas industry has worked to develop positive, collaborative relationships with the fishing industry through effective communication and engagement.
The fishing industry is consulted as part of the environmental assessment process and communications strategies are built into project planning to ensure fishers are aware of ongoing offshore activity. The fishing industry is also advised of specific programs, like marine seismic surveys, through direct communication, communiqués with unions and committees, public service announcements in local media and Notices to Mariners/Shipping.
Creating One Ocean
The petroleum industry in Newfoundland and Labrador partnered with the fishing industry to establish One Ocean, an organization created to promote mutual understanding between these two vital industries and their common marine environment.
Nova Scotia Fisheries Advisory Committee
In Nova Scotia, offshore operators work with the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board’s (C-NSOPB) Fisheries Advisory Committee to engage the fishing industry. The Committee includes representatives from various fishing groups, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Natural Resources Canada, and the Nova Scotia Department of Energy. Committee members provide advice and suggestions to the C-NSOPB for consideration in work authorization applications, regulations and guidelines. Meetings are held quarterly and briefings are sent out to inform and engage members in discussion of upcoming projects and other petroleum-related activities. Committee members are provided with notice of all environmental assessments and are invited to submit comments to the C-NSOPB for consideration during the review processes.
Seismic Surveying
Click to learn about the Atlantic Canadian offshore oil and gas industry and seismic surveying.
Fisheries Liaison Officers
The offshore oil and natural gas industry engages a Fisheries Liaison Officer during certain marine operations as a practice of mitigation for the fishing and petroleum industries. Stationed on board the operation vessel, the Fisheries Liaison Officer communicates details of the marine operation with fish harvesters while also learning of their activities. This inter-industry information exchange reduces any potential at-sea conflicts, such as entanglement or gear damage.
Learn more about the Fisheries Liaison Officer program in Newfoundland and Labrador, the importance of their participation and the benefits to both industries.