Reasons for Hope: 8 Ocean Wins in Canada from 2025 - Oceana Canada
Home / Blog / Reasons for Hope: 8 Ocean Wins in Canada from 2025

January 23, 2026

Reasons for Hope: 8 Ocean Wins in Canada from 2025

Estimated reading time: 0 minutes

Topics: 

 

2025 was a turbulent year, dominated by relentless breaking news and global headlines. Amid the noise, it is easy to overlook the victories happening here at home. Yet 2025 delivered inspiring ocean wins in Canada — clear proof that hope for our oceans is not only alive, but growing.  

From stronger habitat protections to encouraging signs of marine wildlife recovery, these wins highlight progress in rebuilding healthy, resilient oceans across Canada. They demonstrate what’s possible when science, policy, and community action come together in support of ocean protection. 

Here are eight ocean wins from Canada in 2025. 

1. CANADA RELEASES FIRST-EVER LEGALLY MANDATED PLANS TO REBUILD DEPLETED FISHERIES

Twelve new rebuilding plans aim to revive iconic species, boost coastal economies, and strengthen long-term food security for communities across Canada. Years in the making, these plans reflect sustained advocacy by Oceana Canada to restore ocean abundance. The plans set clear science‑based timelines and targets to rebuild depleted fish populations. This progress toward healthier, more abundant fisheries is a significant ocean win in Canada. 

2. NORTHERN BOTTLENOSE WHALE POPULATIONS ARE SHOWING EARLY SIGNS OF RECOVERY OFF CANADA’S EAST COAST 

New research released in 2025 shows that the endangered northern bottlenose whale population off Nova Scotia is showing signs of recovery. After decades of decline, the populations is now showing encouraging growth. The study suggests that habitat protection has played a key role, particularly through the Gully Marine Protected Area (MPA). By reducing direct threats and safeguarding critical habitat, the MPA appears to be supporting population stability and recovery. This ocean win in Canada highlights how science-based marine protection, targeted at the right threats and supported by long-term monitoring, can help species recover. 

3. TWO NEW MARINE REFUGES PROTECT MARINE BIODIVERSITY IN HAIDA GWAII, B.C. MARKS OCEAN WINS

New protections are now in place to safeguard ecologically rich waters along the Haida Gwaii coastline in British Columbia. These protections limit harmful activities, strengthen safeguards for critical habitat, and support long-term marine biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. The refuges were shaped through Indigenous leadership and science-based planning, they add to the growing network of protected areas in Canada.  

4. NEW POLL SHOWS CANADIANS WANT NATURE AT THE CORE OF ECONOMIC STRATEGY 

New polling shows strong public support for placing nature at the heart of Canada’s economic strategy. The results show that Canadians see protecting ecosystems as smart economics, not a trade-off. This growing momentum in public support strengthens the case for more ocean wins. Key takeaways were; 

  • 91% say nature is one of Canada’s greatest economic strengths
  • 87% believe investing in nature builds long-term resilience
  • 93% think nature should be central to Canada’s economic strategy

5. NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE CALVING BRINGS AN OCEAN WIN

So far this calving season, 21 North Atlantic right whales calves have been born. That’s 13 more than this time last season — a clear reason for hope — with over two months of calving still ahead.

Among this year’s newborns is a calf born to Champagne (#3904), making Champagne’s mother, Spindle (#1204), a second-time grandmother. Spindle is one of the most prolific right whales ever recorded, having given birth to an extraordinary 10 calves. Her family is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when whales are allowed to thrive and reproduce.

Right whales are doing their part to rebuild their population. Now it’s time we do ours. Stronger protections are still needed for North Atlantic right whales to survive. Protection from their biggest threats — entanglements and ship strikes — isn’t optional, it’s the only path to save right whales.

6. NEW POLICY PAPER HIGHLIGHTS INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE IN FISHERIES MANAGEMENT 

Co‑authored by Trevor Swerdfager (University of Waterloo), Robert Rangeley (Oceana Canada), and Alejandro Frid (University of Victoria), the paper identifies policy pathways to remove long-standing barriers to knowledge pairing in Canadian fisheries. Its findings show that pairing of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Western-based science supports reconciliation and improves fisheries management. Backed by law, policy and governance, this can lead to more equitable and resilient fisheries decision-making in Canada.

7. FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA ARE TAKING STEPS TO MODERNIZE MONITORING

DFO is modernizing monitoring to support stronger science and more ocean wins. Electronic logbooks became mandatory in 2025 for key Atlantic fisheries. Lobster and snow crab harvesters in the Gulf Region and Newfoundland and Labrador now report using digital systems, with full implementation in Quebec. Onboard video monitoring offers a practical way to gather key fishing data when observers aren’t available. These modern tools improve accuracy and connect harvesters and decision‑makers. Better real‑time data supports transparent fisheries management and rebuilding depleted fish populations that support healthier oceans.

8. EXTENDED SLOWDOWN IN CABOT STRAIT OFFERS REASON FOR HOPE  

Transport Canada extended the timeframe of the voluntary ship slowdown in the Cabot Strait in 2025. The slowdown now starts at the beginning of September. This timeline better reflects when right whales are migrating through this area and can benefit most from vessels slowing down. However, one thing is clear: voluntary slowdowns are not enough. The latest research by Oceana Canada shows 57% of transits in the Cabot Strait are still at speeds over 10 knots, speeds that can kill a right whale on impact. Although this extended slowdown is reason for hope, making slowdowns mandatory is needed to protect North Atlantic right whales.

YOU CAN SUPPORT MORE OCEAN WINS IN CANADA

Support Oceana Canada and help restore marine life and habitats, creating real reasons for hope for our oceans. >>>