The Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters Federation (CIFHF) commits to working with the Canadian government at the national, and where appropriate, the provincial level to ensure continued access to coastal fisheries by independent fishermen and coastal communities. This will grow our capacity to engage in policy implementation, including the Policy for the Protection for the Inshore Independent Fisheries in Canada's Atlantic Fishery (PIIFCAF) and restoring independence to harvesters in British Columbia.

The Federations members also support The FAO Guidelines on Small Scale Fisheries, and commit to enhancing the ability of coastal fishermen to maintain access to fisheries. Through a commitment to meaningful co-management, we will continue to empower community based fisheries management. As part of this commitment we will support independent coastal fishermen across Canada in efforts to enhance access to markets, ensure quality of product, improve handling practices, uphold existing eco-certifications and explore traceability tools. To enhance opportunities for new entrants to the fishery, both through intergenerational transfers and new access, we will explore apprenticeship programs and work to achieve policy commitments that fishing licenses remain in coastal communities.

The Federation will seek to work collaboratively with the Fisheries and Oceans Canada to contribute to achieving SDG 14. The wealth of coastal communities continues to be eroded by a wide variety of external forces that must be recognized and managed through marine planning. There are a wide variety of stakeholders with access to the ocean or that are actively seeking access. This access must consider the needs of coastal communities and ensure that their social and economic integrity is not compromised.