FEDERAL, B.C AND YUKON MINISTERS
WORKING TOGETHER ON PACIFIC FISHERIES ISSUES

VANCOUVER – The Pacific Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (PCFAM) has agreed to closer cooperation and commitment in the areas of fisheries renewal, aquaculture, species at risk, better habitat protection and salmon fishery management, following a meeting today in Vancouver.

The meeting, held to discuss further progress on common fisheries and oceans issues, was chaired by the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, the Honourable Geoff Regan and was attended by the Honourable John van Dongen, B.C. Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries and the Honourable Peter Jenkins, Minister of the Environment from the Yukon.

“There was a strong commitment shown today on fisheries renewal and changing the way we manage our fisheries,” said Minister Regan. “We want to move away from debates over access and allocation, and focus instead on how to build a more stable, predictable fishery over the long term.”

The Ministers also discussed progress on the fisheries renewal initiatives. An update was provided on the consultations on the Joint Task Group on Post-Treaty Fisheries and the First Nations Panel Report. The Task Group, headed by Dr. Peter Pearse and Donald McRae, called for a long-term approach to the B.C. salmon fishery and more stakeholder involvement. The complementary First Nations Panel Report was also discussed and an update given on the current consultations with First Nation groups and other stakeholders on both reports. Minister Regan committed to developing an implementation strategy to introduce change in the 2005 salmon fisheries, once consultations have been completed.

“The Pacific and Yukon fisheries face unique challenges,” said Minister van Dongen. “The work our three governments are doing will go a long way toward realizing our vision of an inclusive fishery sector – one that is financially viable, environmentally sustainable and brings economic benefit to coastal and rural communities today and into the future.”

Ministers reviewed plans to strengthen the federal/provincial/territorial relationship in aquaculture, a shared jurisdiction, through the development of a comprehensive agreement on aquaculture. The agreement is designed to cover areas such as setting common goals and standards, harmonization of approval processes and environmental farm planning, among others. An agreement was also reached to strengthen efforts to take part in a National Aquatic Animal Health Partnership.

Ministers discussed implementation of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) and the need for the three governments to strengthen their working relationships and to work closely with industry to ensure that everyone involved understands the Act and its implications for the Pacific fishery.

Positive feedback was received on the progress of the B.C. and federal governments to provide more effective and efficient fish habitat protection through Environmental Process Modernization Plan and its 15 areas for regulatory reform. Discussion was also given to the possibility of a similar initiative in the Yukon.

The Ministers discussed the progress for the early completion and implementation of the new Yukon placer mining management regime, a pilot project under the federal Fish Habitat Risk Assessment and Management Framework. The new Yukon placer mining regime is intended to provide regulatory certainty and stability for this key industry to continue while protecting the health of territorial rivers and streams.

The meeting ended with an agreement to meet again next year following the consultations for the Joint Task Group, the First Nation Panel Report and the Wild Salmon Policy.

“The PCFAM meeting is an opportunity for the federal, B.C. and Yukon governments to come together periodically for valuable discussion,” said Minister Jenkins. “I am pleased with our progress to-date and our continued commitment to move forward on issues affecting the future of the Pacific and Yukon fisheries.”

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