|
OTTAWA – The Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced the Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and 2004/05 management measures for the Gulf of St. Lawrence (non-cod) groundfish stocks. The announcement follows scientific advice and the recommendations made to the Minister by the Fisheries Resource Conservation Council (FRCC) in April.
Minister Regan accepted all FRCC recommendations to maintain the same groundfish TACs as last year, with the exception of the 4RST Greenland halibut (turbot) fishery. The most recent stock status report shows a biomass increase for this stock, allowing for a TAC increase.
"I am confident that the TACs and conservation measures announced today will allow us to protect and conserve this resource for future generations," said Minister Regan. "I am supported by my Department and the FRCC in my belief that a cooperative approach based on shared stewardship is the best way to build a sustainable and economically viable fishery."
Minister Regan also announced that the cod fishing season will not open in the northern (4RS3Pn) and southern (4TVn) Gulf of St. Lawrence before June 24, 2004, at the earliest. A Gulf-wide cod fishery closure will be in effect until this date, to protect and conserve cod stocks during their spawning season. The exact opening date for the cod fishery will be determined once Conservation Harvest Plans (CHPs) are approved.
The TAC levels for each stock are summarized in the attached backgrounder entitled Gulf of St. Lawrence Groundfish Management Measures for 2004-05.
Backgrounder:
|
