Are there small-scale fisheries in Canada? What do they look like? How are they doing? How are they treated? The e-book 'Thinking Big About Small-Scale Fisheries in Canada', edited by Dr. Evan Andrews, Jack Daly and Dr. Christine Knott seeks to co-create answers to these questions. Through this e-book, the team begins to build an extensive information-sharing network and research programme with and for small-scale fishery leaders, researchers, and advocates. This approach has been useful for coordinating efforts to bring awareness and advance viability for small-scale fisheries and fishing communities in the Global North. The e-book will be launched at the 2022 International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture celebrations on World Oceans Day and published as part of the free and open access TBTI Global E-book series.

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An initial scan reveals the diversity of Canada’s fishing sector. For example, small-scale fisheries may include subsistence Arctic fisheries, and food fisheries across Canada’s lakes, rivers, deltas, and coastal areas. Important fisheries based in Treaty Rights may be considered as small-scale fisheries, such as Food, Social, and Ceremonial fisheries or Moderate Livelihood fisheries. Independently owned and smaller boat commercial fishing can be found on the Pacific coast, Atlantic coast, and the lakes in between. Those may also be considered small-scale fisheries. Let us work together to scope out small-scale fisheries in Canada, and see how big and important they are, so that we can contribute to elevating their profiles and expanding knowledge and information about them. In the current context, interest about sustainable ocean development is heightened and Canada is planning the Blue Economy program. This book can contribute to enhancing small-scale fisheries’ active participation in the planning process that will define their futures.