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SUBJECTS
FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT ACT
ANNUAL REPORT
2001-2002
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Programs:
Canadian Fisheries Adjustment and Restructuring (CFAR)
INTRODUCTION
Under the provisions of the Fisheries Development Act administered by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO),
1. the Minister may undertake projects for:- the more efficient exploitation of fishery resources and for the exploration for, and development of, new fishery resources and new fisheries;
- the introduction and demonstration to fishers of new types of fishing vessels and fishing equipment and new fishing techniques; and,
- the development of new fishery products for the improvement of the handling, processing and distribution of fishery products.
2. The Minister may enter into an agreement with any province providing for the undertaking jointly with the government of the province or any agency thereof of any project that the Minister is authorized to undertake under point 1.
3. The Minister may, with the approval of the Governor in Council, enter into an agreement with any province providing payment to the province of contributions in respect of the cost of any project that is undertaken by the government of the province or any agency thereof and that the Minister is authorized to undertake under point 1.4.The Minister may enter into an agreement with any person for the joint undertaking of any project that the Minister is authorized to undertake under point 1, or for the payment to any person of contributions in respect of the cost of any such project undertaken by that person.
5. For the purpose of assisting in the formulation and assessment of fisheries development projects, the Minister may undertake economic studies alone or jointly with the government of any province or agency thereof or with any university, educational institution or person, and may coordinate any such studies with similar studies undertaken in Canada.In the fiscal year 2001-2002, the federal expenditure under the Act was valued at $124.5 million.
PROGRAMS
1) Canadian Fisheries Adjustment and Restructuring (CFAR): The Canadian Fisheries Adjustment and Restructuring Program (CFAR) was a set of conservation, adjustment and restructuring measures announced in June, 1998 to put harvesting capacity in balance with resource availability and ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishing sector on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
In the Atlantic, expenditures focused on bringing to conclusion the Atlantic Groundfish Licence Retirement Program (AGLRP). In 2001-2002, expenditures amounted to $23 million, with $22.5 million used to retire groundfish licences in Newfoundland and $0.5 million for administration. The AGLRP had concluded in other provinces in the previous year.
In the Pacific region, where many key program elements, including the Pacific Salmon Commercial Licence Retirement Program had concluded in previous years, expenditures in 2001-2002 amounted to $12.4M. Resources were used for the Pacific Salmon Resource Rebuilding Program ($9.8M), selective fishing ($2.2M) and fisheries diversification ($0.4M).
2) Office of the Commissioner for Aquaculture Development: The Office of the Commissioner for Aquaculture Development was established in December 1998 with an initial mandate until March 31, 2002. Appointed by the Governor-in-Council, the Commissioner functions as an advisor to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans on aquaculture matters.
Expenditures of $2.3 million were made in 2001-2002, as the Commissioner provided support to various aquaculture organisations, consulted with stakeholders, and undertook scientific studies. Accomplishments for 2001-2002 include securing support of the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (CCFAM) for the implementation of a federal-provincial-territorial harmonization process regarding aquaculture policy, legislation and regulations. The Commissioner also led a Canadian delegation to Aqua Nor 2001 in Trondheim, Norway, where he hosted a very successful Canadian-Norwegian business reception to encourage greater collaboration between industry representatives from both countries in areas of mutual interest.
In November 2001, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans announced the mandate extension of the Office of the Commissioner until March 31, 2004.
3) Fisheries Access Program: The Fisheries Access Program is designed to provide fisheries access for Mi’kmaq and Maliseet First Nations in Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia in order to provide them with the opportunity to pursue a moderate livelihood. The Department’s 2001-2002 budget of $112.4 million for the Fisheries Access Program included $12.4 million under Phase I of the government’s response to the Supreme Court’s decision on Marshall, and $100.0 million under the Long Term Marshall Response. Expenditures of $86.8 million in 2001-2002 were used to provide opportunities to increase earned income by the beneficiary First Nations without compromising viability within the existing commercial fishery. The program includes retiring commercial licences, vessels and gear, constructing new vessels and gear and providing training and other skill development activities. An unused portion of $25.7 million has been re-profiled to 2002-03 fiscal year as part of the commitment to the Long Term Marshall Response of the Fisheries Access Program.
