The Case of Eco-Certification in Manitoba’s Commercial Fisheries: Path forward for Manitoba fishers

This report examines the commercial freshwater fishing industry in Manitoba, highlighting that 85% of its 2,000 licensed harvesters are Indigenous. It argues that eco-certification is critical for maintaining international market access, as some major US retailers have already stopped purchasing non-certified Manitoba fish. The report provides a cost-benefit analysis, noting that for large lakes, benefits are estimated at $250 for every $1 invested over five years, and recommends increased government funding and staffing to support the certification process.

• Manitoba possesses Canada's second-largest commercial freshwater fishing industry, producing approximately 13 million kg of fish annually. The sector is vital to Indigenous populations, with 85% of the approximately 2,000 licensed fish harvesters being Indigenous and relying on commercial net-fishing as their primary income source.
• Approximately 80% of Manitoba's commercial catch is sold to international markets, primarily in Europe and the United States, with others in Asia and the Middle East. The industry faces economic risks from a lack of eco-certification, exemplified by Walmart USA and Sam’s Club ceasing purchases of Manitoba-caught fish because they were not certified or on a path to certification.

APA

International Institute for Sustainable Development (n.d.). The Case of Eco-Certification in Manitoba’s Commercial Fisheries: Path forward for Manitoba fishers. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2024-08/eco-certification-manitoba-commercial-fisheries.pdf

Chicago

International Institute for Sustainable Development. The Case of Eco-Certification in Manitoba’s Commercial Fisheries: Path forward for Manitoba fishers. n.d. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2024-08/eco-certification-manitoba-commercial-fisheries.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=International Institute for Sustainable Development |title=The Case of Eco-Certification in Manitoba’s Commercial Fisheries: Path forward for Manitoba fishers |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2024-08/eco-certification-manitoba-commercial-fisheries.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{internationalinstituteforsustainabledevelopmentndcase, author = {{International Institute for Sustainable Development}}, title = {{The Case of Eco-Certification in Manitoba’s Commercial Fisheries: Path forward for Manitoba fishers}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2024-08/eco-certification-manitoba-commercial-fisheries.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }