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The Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) announced today changes to the short term voluntary measures first announced in March, 2006.
"In order to allow people to prepare and plan for the 2007 fishery which is to start soon, temporary measures are being implemented that will allow fishers to cut their costs for this coming season," said Minister Hearn. "Given our experience with the temporary measures in 2006 and the concerns raised with the issue of rent extraction in the industry, it is necessary to make some adjustments to these measures for 2007."
Rent extraction occurs when licensed fishers are collecting royalties from their licenses/quotas. The rent extraction issue was highlighted as a concern during recent Fishing Industry Renewal consultations.
The following specific voluntary measures will be implemented for 2007:
- The temporary buddy-up provision for 35-65’ vessels announced in March 2006 will be extended for the 2007 fishing season, with the provision that those enterprises utilizing this measure in 2007 will not be permitted to designate an alternate operator.
- The temporary measure of a 30-day vessel registration (compared to the original
12-month vessel registration rule) will be changed to a 6-month vessel registration for 2007.
- The designation of an alternate operator will also be discontinued for those enterprises utilizing vessel leases in 2007.
"As in 2006, these measures are completely voluntary," said the Minister. "They may help by giving license holders choices on how to pursue the fishery, but it is entirely up to individuals to decide whether to take advantage of the changes."
Long-term changes to fisheries management and licensing policies are expected to be announced in the near future as part of the overall Fishing Industry Renewal Strategy.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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Steve Outhouse
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-947-4483
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Jan Woodford
Regional Director, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Region Fisheries and Oceans Canada
709-772-7622 |
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NR-NL-07-08E |
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