Canadian Independent
Fish Harvesters
Federation
Advocating for the rights, sustainability, and prosperity of Independent Owner Operator fish harvesters across every coast and waterway of Canada.
See Our MembersProtecting Canada's Independent Fishing Heritage
The Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters Federation brings together fishing associations from British Columbia to Newfoundland, representing the collective voice of independent harvesters who depend on sustainable fisheries for their families and communities.
A National Voice Since 2012
The Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters Federation advocates at the national level for policies that protect the owner-operator principle, ensure fair access to marine resources, and support the coastal communities that have sustained Canada's fishing heritage for generations.
Our federation represents member organizations across six provinces, from the Pacific to the Atlantic, united in the belief that those who fish should control their licences and their livelihoods.
Provinces represented
coast to coast
Life on Canada's Fishing Grounds
Real images from the harbours, wharves, and waters where independent fish harvesters work every day.
Marking World Fisheries Day
Federation leadership addressed the room on the importance of sustainable, independent harvesting to mark World Fisheries Day.
A Day on the Water with the September Isle
Photos courtesy of Jon Martin, Salmon Ambassador and owner-operator of the September Isle, fishing out of Campbell River, British Columbia.
About the Canadian Independent
Fish Harvesters Federation
A national federation representing independent fish harvesters from coast to coast, advocating for sustainable fisheries and the communities that depend on them.
Protecting the Livelihood of Canada's Independent Fish Harvesters
The Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters Federation (CIFHF) brings together fishing associations from British Columbia to Newfoundland, representing the collective voice of independent harvesters who depend on sustainable fisheries for their families and communities.
Our federation advocates at the national level for policies that protect the owner-operator principle, ensure fair access to marine resources, and support the coastal communities that have sustained Canada's fishing heritage for generations.
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⚖Policy Advocacy — Representing harvesters in federal fisheries policy, trade negotiations, and regulatory consultations.
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★Sustainability Leadership — Championing science-based management and responsible harvesting practices.
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✓Member Support — Connecting regional associations with shared resources, expertise, and a unified national platform.
Decades of advocacy for
independent fish harvesters
An Industry That Sustains Communities
How the Federation Is Governed
The Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters Federation operates through a democratic governance structure that ensures every member organization has a voice.
Constitutional Convention
The supreme governing body of the Federation. All member organizations send delegates to set policy direction and amend the constitution.
Board of Directors
Elected representatives from each member organization who oversee operations, approve budgets, and guide strategic direction between conventions.
Executive Committee
The President and executive members who manage day-to-day operations, represent the Federation publicly, and execute Board decisions.
Objectives of the
Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters Federation
Protecting independent harvesters, preserving coastal communities, and ensuring sustainable fisheries for future generations.
Shared Vision, Unified Action
Primary Mission
To protect and advance the interests of independent, owner-operator fish harvesters across Canada through coordinated national advocacy, policy development, and representation before federal government bodies.
Shared Vision
A Canadian fishing industry where independent harvesters control their licences and enterprises, coastal communities thrive, and marine resources are managed sustainably for the benefit of current and future generations.
Core Activities
- National advocacy and government relations
- Parliamentary committee testimony and policy briefs
- Inter-provincial coordination on shared fisheries issues
- Research and data analysis on fisheries economics
Accountability
Tracking government commitments, grading federal responses to parliamentary recommendations, and holding decision makers accountable for legislative and regulatory commitments.
Key Policy Positions
The Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters Federation advocates on critical policy fronts that protect independent harvesters and the communities they sustain.
Atlantic Canada
- Fleet Separation Policy — keeping fishing licences and processing separate
- Owner-Operator Policy — licence holders must be on the vessel — “Boots on the Boat”
- Accountability by government to uphold the Fisheries Act and Inshore Regulations
- Opposition to corporate consolidation of fishing rights
British Columbia
- Advocacy for owner-operator protections on the Pacific coast
- Opposition to licence leasing and armchair fishing
- Fair access to quota and licensing for working harvesters
Member Organizations of the
Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters Federation
Our federation unites fishing associations from across Canada, each representing the independent harvesters of their region.
British Columbia
4 membersNew Brunswick
4 membersNewfoundland & Labrador
1 memberNova Scotia
8 membersPrince Edward Island
1 memberQuébec
6 membersMeet Our Executive of the
Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters Federation
The dedicated leaders who represent independent fish harvesters at the national level.
Federation Leadership
Elected by the membership to guide the Federation's advocacy, policy, and operations.
Melanie Sonnenberg
President
Amy Howe
Member
Dan Fleck
Brazil Rock 33 34 Lobster Association
Mark Arsenault
Maritime Fishermen's Union
Claire Canet
RPPSG Gaspé QC
Dwan Street
Food Fish Allied Workers Newfoundland
Community Impact &
FOPO Accountability
Tracking parliamentary recommendations and measuring real progress on the issues that matter most to independent fish harvesters.
Holding Government Accountable for Our Fisheries
Our FOPO Accountability Report tracks parliamentary recommendations and measures real progress on the issues that matter most to independent fish harvesters.
Why Accountability Matters
When Parliament's Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (FOPO) issues recommendations, they represent the voices of harvesters, scientists, and coastal communities who testified under oath. But recommendations without follow-through are just words on paper.
Our Accountability Report grades the federal government's response to 51 recommendations covering owner-operator protections, IUU fishing enforcement, and fisheries rebuilding. The findings are clear: progress has been made on some fronts, but critical gaps remain—particularly in enforcement against illegal harvesting and rebuilding depleted fish stocks.
With $789.6 million spent on NIHB medical transportation in 2023–24 and only a fraction directed at fisheries enforcement, the allocation of federal resources demands scrutiny. Independent harvesters deserve a government that matches its commitments with action.
FOPO Accountability Report
Key areas covered in our comprehensive review of parliamentary recommendations:
- Owner-operator policy protections
- IUU fishing and enforcement gaps
- Fish stock rebuilding commitments
- Elver fishery crisis response
- Federal resource allocation
News from the
Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters Federation
The latest updates on policy developments, advocacy work, and issues shaping the future of independent fish harvesting in Canada.
FOPO Accountability Report Published
The Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters Federation releases a comprehensive accountability report tracking 51 parliamentary recommendations across two major FOPO studies, grading federal progress on owner-operator protections, enforcement, and stock rebuilding.
Read More2025 Elver Fishery Reopens with New Regulations
After two years of closures due to rampant illegal harvesting, DFO announces the reopening of the elver fishery with strengthened oversight, new traceability requirements, and enhanced enforcement measures.
Read MoreOwner-Operator Protections: What Pacific Harvesters Need to Know
As discussions advance on extending Atlantic owner-operator protections to British Columbia, we break down what the policy means for Pacific harvesters, the challenges ahead, and how the Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters Federation is advocating for fair access.
Read MoreContact the
Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters Federation
Whether you are a member organization, prospective member, or stakeholder, we welcome your inquiry.
Federation Office
Address
408 rue Main Street
Shédiac, NB E4P 2G1
Canada
Phone
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