I would like to correct some misinformation that has been put forward in relation to my recent decision allowing two herring seiner licence holders to use midwater trawls in the Gulf herring fishery.
It is important that when people talk about the current herring management plan, that everyone understands this was a plan devised by the past government. If Liberal MPs like Lawrence MacAulay, Joe McGuire and Shawn Murphy had concerns, either they were unwilling to raise them, or unable to convince their old government that there was any good reason to make changes. While our government continues to make fish management decisions based on principles of science, conservation and fairness, the Opposition shows their only consideration is politics. It's these types of short-sighted games that ultimately hurt our environment and our industry in the long-run.
A fisheries management plan outlines how much fish people can catch based on scientific advice, and divides it up between different sectors and groups. In this situation, the inshore herring fleet was granted the lion's share: 52,000 tonnes, or 77 per cent of the total allowable catch (TAC). So far, the inshore fleet has caught the majority of what they are permitted to catch.
The mid-shore fleet was granted only 15,700 tonnes, or 23 per cent of the TAC. To date, they have caught only one-tenth of what they are allowed to catch.
Contrary to what some have claimed, I have not increased the amount of fish that can be caught, nor have any new licences been issued. I have simply authorized the use of a different gear type to allow these fish harvesters the opportunity to catch what they are allowed.
These vessels will be subject to all established rules and regulations on the water, including the 25-fathom line that is important to Islanders. Conservation is always first and foremost in my mind when I make a decision, and I am confident that the use of midwater trawls, with current restrictions and management measures, is consistent with sustainable fisheries and conservation principles.
My department has offered a technical briefing to the Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Association (PEIFA) which has been critical of my decision. I hope that they will take advantage of this opportunity to sit down with my officials and to discuss the facts surrounding it.
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