Ontario’s commercial fishing industry has a rich history dating back to before European colonization. The province is home to the largest freshwater fishery in North America, with licensed commercial operations on Lakes Erie, Huron, Superior, and Ontario, as well as the St. Lawrence River.
A Long-Standing Tradition
Commercial fishing has been an integral part of Ontario’s history, culture, and economy for centuries. Indigenous tribes were the first to master the abundant fisheries of the Great Lakes, with archaeological evidence suggesting robust fishing communities as early as 3,000 to 2,000 B.C. The industry continued to thrive as European explorers, fur traders, and missionaries arrived, with stories of Lake Huron’s bountiful fishery dating back to as early as 1623.
In the early years of Canada’s founding, fishing was one of the first industries established in new communities that sprang up as Europeans pushed up the Great Lakes. Today, Ontario is renowned worldwide for its high-quality freshwater fish, with 90% of the catch from its commercial fishery exported to the United States and Europe.
Challenges and Adaptations
The commercial fishing industry in the Great Lakes has faced its fair share of challenges over the years. In the two decades prior to 1900, many of the commercially important species, such as lake whitefish and lake sturgeon, experienced significant declines due to overfishing. As these stocks dwindled, fishermen turned to other species to maintain their livelihoods, leading to a shift in the types of fish being caught.
In response to these challenges, fisheries managers have implemented various regulations and management strategies to ensure the sustainability of the Great Lakes fishery. In 1954, a treaty between the U.S. and Canada resulted in the formation of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, a joint body that facilitates collaborative management efforts among Ontario, the lake states, Native American tribes, and Canadian First Nations.
Today, commercial harvest rights are divided among Canadian, U.S., and tribal fishing operations, with managers placing great emphasis on shared and multiple uses of the fishery, balancing the harvests from both the sport and commercial sectors.
Economic and Social Importance
The commercial fishing industry plays a vital role in the economic and social welfare of many communities in Ontario. In 2015, Canadian commercial operators harvested nearly 26.5 million pounds of fish with a landed value of about $27.4 million. The processed (retail) value of these commercial harvests is significantly higher, estimated to be at least five times more than the landed value.
The industry also provides employment opportunities and supports local economies. Commercial fisheries supply fresh or preserved fish and fish products to grocery stores, farmers markets, and local shops around the Great Lakes. For some urban populations, such as in Milwaukee, Chicago, and Detroit, fish caught by commercial fishermen is a primary food source.
However, the industry is facing challenges, with an aging workforce and declining interest from younger generations. Kendall Dewey, a commercial fisherman on Lake Ontario, says his children have chosen to pursue other career paths, and he believes his family’s legacy in fishing will end with him.
Sustainability and Conservation Efforts
Despite the challenges, the commercial fishing industry in Ontario remains committed to sustainability and conservation efforts. Modern management tools for assessing fish stocks are highly effective, and the amount of fish being taken out of Lake Ontario by commercial fishermen is relatively small compared to the sport fishing industry.
Researchers argue that commercial fisheries in the Great Lakes are not draining biodiversity, with populations of key species such as pickerel (walleye), whitefish, and trout remaining stable or even increasing. The industry’s focus on local, sustainable fishing practices and its potential to contribute to food security and local job creation make it an important part of Ontario’s agri-food system.
As the commercial fishing industry in Ontario navigates the challenges of the 21st century, it remains a vital part of the province’s history, culture, and economy. With continued efforts to ensure sustainability, support local communities, and adapt to changing circumstances, the industry is poised to continue playing a significant role in Ontario’s future.