Managing Canada's Natural Resources · Term 1

Canada's Energy Mix: Oil and Gas

Investigating Canada's reliance on oil and gas, particularly the Oil Sands, and the associated economic and environmental debates.

About This Topic

The collapse of the Atlantic cod fishery in 1992 remains one of the most significant environmental and economic lessons in Canadian history. This topic examines the causes of the collapse, including overfishing, improved technology, and mismanagement. Students learn how the loss of a single resource can devastate entire communities and change a region's identity forever.

Looking forward, the unit explores the rise of aquaculture (fish farming) and the challenges of international fishing rights. This topic is a powerful case study in the 'tragedy of the commons.' Students grasp these concepts faster through simulations where they must manage a shared resource and experience the consequences of unsustainable harvesting firsthand.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Fishing Game

Students use 'fish' (crackers or beads) in a common bowl. They must decide how many to harvest each round to maximize profit without crashing the population. The results are used to discuss the 1992 moratorium.

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: Aquaculture Pros and Cons

Pairs research the benefits (food security, jobs) and risks (pollution, escaped fish) of fish farming. They share their findings to decide if aquaculture is a viable solution to overfishing.

⏱ 30 min·Pairs

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Gallery Walk: The Human Cost

Display stories and photos from Newfoundland communities after the cod moratorium. Students rotate and record the social and economic impacts they observe (e.g., out-migration, loss of culture).

⏱ 40 min·Whole Class

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The fish just 'went away' because of cold water or seals.

What to Teach Instead

While environmental factors played a role, the primary cause was sustained overfishing by industrial trawlers. Analyzing historical catch data helps students see the clear trend toward collapse.

Common Misconception

The East Coast fishery is completely dead now.

What to Teach Instead

While cod hasn't recovered, the fishery has shifted to other species like lobster and crab, which are now highly valuable. This shows how industries adapt to changing ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the 1992 Cod Moratorium?

It was a government order that ended all commercial cod fishing in Atlantic Canada after the population collapsed. It was the largest industrial layoff in Canadian history, affecting over 30,000 people.

What caused the Atlantic cod to disappear?

The main causes were overfishing by large industrial ships, improved sonar technology that made it too easy to find fish, and a failure of government management to set sustainable limits.

Is fish farming (aquaculture) good for the environment?

It's complicated. It can reduce pressure on wild fish stocks, but it can also cause water pollution, spread diseases to wild fish, and use large amounts of wild-caught fish as feed.

How can active learning help students understand the fishing crisis?

The 'tragedy of the commons' is a difficult concept to grasp through reading alone. By participating in a fishing simulation, students feel the competitive pressure that leads to over-harvesting. This emotional and practical experience makes the historical facts of the cod collapse much more meaningful and helps them understand why strict regulations are necessary for resource management.

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