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St. John’s – Recognizing that stability is necessary to facilitate lasting change, the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced he would maintain current sharing arrangements in the vast majority of Atlantic fisheries.
"The new government is committed to working together with all participants in the fisheries industry to address common challenges," stated Minister Hearn. "The current approach, which has created instability, uncertainty and divisions, must, and will, be revamped."
During his first six weeks as Minister, Hearn has had the opportunity to meet with the Quebec Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and all of his Atlantic provincial counterparts, and has listened to what they have had to say.
"I think it's safe to say that everyone agrees with two statements," Hearn explained. "One: no one is happy with the current system. And two: it's time to work together towards change."
In addition to the 93 existing stable sharing arrangements in the Atlantic, the Minister announced two more stabilization plans:
- Shrimp fishing area (SFA) 7 off the south coast of Newfoundland and Labrador; and
- Greenland halibut (turbot) in zone OA off the east coast of Nunavut.
Minister Hearn committed to working with Nunavut to see that full value for Nunavut and Canadian interests is achieved in the Area 0 Turbot fishery.
Additionally, the Minister announced the following actions to further reduce conflict and increase stability within the industry:
- The Minister accepted the report prepared by the Georges Bank Haddock Task Group, including its recommendations;
- The Minister appointed Allister Surette to undertake an independent review of the MacLeod's Ledge issue, and report back with recommendations in advance of this year's lobster season; and
- A completed report concerning the sea scallop fishery was forwarded to stakeholders with the intent of resolving this dispute prior to the start of the fishing season.
"While stability is an important first step, we can't lose sight of the need for change," concluded Minister Hearn. "I look forward to working closely with all interested parties in the months ahead to put an end to this culture of conflict."
"There are so many real challenges facing Canada's fishing industry that we need to cooperate and work together for the benefit of everyone involved."
Additional information on these initiatives can be found on the DFO website www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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Sophie Galarneau
Manager, Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
(613) 990-7537
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Steve Outhouse
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
(613) 992-3474 |
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NR-HQ-06-06E |
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