News Release

MINISTER REGAN VISITS PEI AND NEW BRUNSWICK

MONCTON - The Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), today made his first official visits to Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick for meetings with his provincial counterparts and fishing industry representatives.

Minister Regan attended morning meetings with Kevin MacAdam, PEI's Agriculture, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Forestry Minister and also met with the Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Association (PEIFA). Discussions focused on herring, the Lobster Fishing Area 22 and 24 boundary line and bluefin tuna fleet quotas, snow crab, lobster fishing area 25 and groundfish dependent fishermen, among other issues.

"Minister MacAdam and I discussed his concerns with the proximity of New Brunswick herring seiners that fish off PEI in the fall. I am expecting a report soon from Allister Surette, the facilitator hired to determine the scope of the problem and identify options for reaching a consensus," added Minister Regan. "I hope this report will provide a basis for resolving this conflict."

Minister Regan travelled to Moncton, where he met David Alward, New Brunswick's Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister. Topics discussed ranged from snow crab and declining lobster landings to herring. Minister Regan also met with representatives of the Maritimes Fishermen's Union.

"Minister Alward and I discussed issues that are of significant importance to the fisheries and aquaculture sectors and agreed to work together to ensure the continued growth of these sectors," said Minister Regan.

Recognizing the health benefits of seafood, including farmed and wild salmon, Ministers Regan and Alward took the opportunity to enjoy a salmon lunch. They also reaffirmed their commitment to the development of a responsible and healthy aquaculture industry.

"These meetings with my provincial counterparts and industry representatives gave me the opportunity to hear from them about their issues," said Minister Regan. "I feel the groundwork has been laid for strengthening the positive working relationships among the Government of Canada and provincial and territorial governments. We will be able to work co-operatively on a number of challenging issues facing the fishing industry."

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Internet: http://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/comm-comm/nr-cp/index-e.html