It is an honour for Canada to host the 5th International Fisheries
Observer Conference in Victoria, British Columbia.
As Canada’s Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, I cannot stress enough the importance
of effective monitoring, control, and surveillance programs in maintaining sustainable
fisheries and healthy oceans ecosystems. Strong fisheries monitoring programs prevent
illegal fishing, they help fisheries managers track catches for managing quotas,
and they collect the data necessary for scientific study and analysis. They can
also help to raise awareness about conservation issues and protection measures,
including the importance of identifying and protecting vulnerable bycatch.
We use a number of tools in Canada to ensure compliance and sustainable fishing
are the norm in Canadian waters. To monitor vessels, we use on-board observers,
at-sea and aerial surveillance, dockside monitoring, and electronic tools such as
the vessel monitoring system and tamper-proof, automated cameras. To control fishing
activities, we are guided by the precautionary approach and ecosystem-based management.
This entails setting sustainable quotas, gear restrictions, bycatch provisions,
a small fish protocol, and spawning and juvenile closures. We also conduct forensic
investigations to validate catch and landing data.
Internationally, Canada conducts aerial surveillance of high seas fishing vessels
in North Pacific and North Atlantic waters. We also deploy at-sea patrol vessels
in the regulatory area of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization to monitor
and inspect the activities of international fleets. As members of several regional
fisheries management organizations, we analyze data contained in observer reports,
including catch monitoring, reporting practices, gear use, biological sampling and
experiments. Canada is also a key participant in the International Monitoring, Control
and Surveillance Network, and the efforts by the United States, Australia, New Zealand
and other countries to strengthen the flow of intelligence about high seas fishing
activity through the Network.
Enabling the development of effective fisheries monitoring programs by other
countries, particularly developing nations, is another priority for Canada. Our
contribution of $500,000 to the UN Fish Stocks Agreement Part VII Assistance Fund
helps developing countries build their monitoring, control and surveillance capacity
so they can effectively control their fisheries and vessels. It also helps them
participate more actively in regional fisheries management organizations.
The decline of global fish stocks reinforces the need for effective monitoring,
control and surveillance capacity, and accurate data collection. Encouraging partnerships
among fisheries, observers, scientists and fisheries managers, as well as governments
and non-governmental organizations, can help us sustain healthy and viable fisheries.
I trust that your conference will result in successful and innovative outcomes.
The Honourable Loyola Hearn
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
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