In April 2012, the Canadian Fisheries Research Network (CFRN) hosted a workshop on the topic of energy use in Canadian fisheries.  Members of the Canadian Council of Professional Fish Harvesters, the Fisheries Council of Canada, the academic community, and provincial and federal governments met in Halifax to determine the current state of knowledge regarding energy use in Canada, to identify related research priorities, and to consider ways the CFRN can uniquely address these issues. 

Shared knowledge at the workshop revealed that the use of fuel and operational efficiency in fishing were the primary drivers for concern among Canadian fishermen.  Fisheries rely heavily on fuel inputs during operations and the spike in oil prices in recent years has become profoundly problematic for many Canadian fisheries and fishing communities.  In addition to the primarily economic concern over fossil fuel reliance, fishermen also expressed apprehension over the growing public concern of the probable environmental impacts of fuel combustion, such as climate change and the associated carbon footprint of seafood products.  There is a strong desire for the protection of the environment for future generations, and fishermen wish to see these issues considered in management decisions and policy planning in Canada.

The report includes workshop perspectives and priorities for energy-related research in Canadian fisheries.  To read the report, click here.