Vancouver – The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and MP for Vancouver-South Burnaby, today released A Policy for Selective Fishing in Canada's Pacific Fisheries. The paper is the seventh in a series of papers from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and defines the policy for selective fishing in Canada’s Pacific fisheries. It is the result of consultation with First Nations, recreational and commercial harvesters on a discussion paper released in May 1999 called Selective Fishing in Canada’s Pacific Fisheries. Selective fishing is a requisite element of conservation-based fisheries. In meeting conservation objectives, fishing opportunities and resource allocations will be shaped by the ability of all harvesters - First Nations, commercial and recreational anglers - to fish selectively. Selective fishing practices are an increasingly important element of Canada’s fisheries, and are part of the long-term conservation strategy for rebuilding the resource and developing sustainable fisheries practices. "In the last two years Fisheries and Oceans Canada has worked closely with First Nations, recreational anglers and commercial harvesters to develop and test viable selective fishing gear and methods," Minister Dhaliwal said. "The significant progress made by these groups to date is reflected in this policy which will guide the fishery of the future as we move forward into the implementation phase of selective fishing practices." The ability of licensed fishers to fish selectively, avoiding or releasing unharmed non-target fish, invertebrates, seabirds and marine mammals, is a fundamental requirement for Canada to meet: the conservation objectives of the federal Oceans Act, the requirements of the forthcoming Species at Risk Act, and our international commitments to preserve biological diversity and fish responsibly. "The five principles and implementation framework in the
Selective Fishing policy document also confirms Canada's international
commitments to preserve biological diversity and fish responsibly as a signatory
to the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing developed by the UN Food and
Agriculture Organization," Minister Dhaliwal said. This document is the latest in a series that began in October 1998 with A New Direction for Canada’s Pacific Salmon Fisheries. It sets out a selective fishing policy and an implementation framework for Canada’s First Nations, recreational and commercial fisheries in the Pacific Region. It builds on the May 1999 discussion document, Selective Fishing in Canada’s Pacific Fisheries, and incorporates the outcome of discussions with, and comments from, First Nations, commercial and recreational fishers, the Province of British Columbia, and other stakeholders in the Pacific fisheries. In June 1998, Fisheries and Oceans Canada initiated a Selective Fisheries Program under the $400 million Pacific Fisheries Adjustment and Restructuring Program (PFAR). Since the inception of the program, funding of $18.3 million has been invested in the following initiatives: more than 100 experimental studies in the Pacific Region to support First Nations, recreational anglers and commercial harvesters in improving selective fishing practices, scientific research, monitoring by independent on-board observers, increased enforcement and training support. PFAR funding for the Selective Fisheries Program winds down in 2001, but the new policy will guide future initiatives. The Department will integrate the findings of the experimental pilot projects into the Integrated Fisheries Management Plans and individual harvest plans. The cost of continued research, development, catch monitoring, gear modifications, training and awareness will become the responsibility of harvesters. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is committed to pursuing selective fishing initiatives for all fisheries. The Department will explore options on how to proceed with commercial harvester organizations, including the provision of 5% of the total available commercial catch for selective fisheries research and development. -30- For information:
A Policy for Selective Fishing in Canada's Pacific Fisheries Backgrounder: Highlights
of A Policy for Selective Fishing in Canada's Pacific Fisheries
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