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The Atlantic Fisheries Policy Review (AFPR) was initiated in May, 1999, to create a framework for managing East Coast fisheries and to build consensus around a renewed vision for the fishery. The AFPR is a collaborative process with a broad citizen-engagement approach through which advice and feedback are continuously sought from fish harvesters, processors and industry representatives; the governments of the Atlantic provinces, Quebec and Nunavut; Aboriginal groups; community representatives; environmental groups; academics and other interested individuals.
In June, 1999, an initial round of meetings was held with the provinces, Nunavut and industry stakeholders to inform them of the review and to solicit early views on the process. This led to the establishment, in January, 2000, of the External Advisory Board (EAB) to act as an advisory body to DFO during the AFPR process.
These meetings also led to the development and release, in February, 2001, of a comprehensive discussion document entitled The Management of Fisheries on Canada’s Atlantic Coast - A Discussion Document on Policy Direction and Principles, which served as a springboard for public discussion and debate. The document and a descriptive brochure were widely distributed. DFO sought advice and feedback during in-depth public consultations in 19 communities across Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Nunavut in 2001. A Policy Framework for the Management of Fisheries on Canada’s Atlantic Coast is the result of this process and reflects the many voices heard during consultations.
Two further consultations have been undertaken as part of the AFPR. In June, 2001, the Independent Panel on Access Criteria (IPAC) was established to review and make recommendations on decision-making criteria and processes for providing new or additional access in increasing Atlantic commercial fisheries. The IPAC sought input from industry, the Atlantic provinces, Quebec and Nunavut and Aboriginal organizations and released its report in April, 2002, to which the Minister responded in November, 2002.
In December, 2003, the discussion document Preserving the Independence of the Inshore Fleet in Canada’s Atlantic Fisheries was released to guide discussion on the owner-operator and fleet separation policies and the issue of "trust agreements." The results of consultations on this document will form the basis for preparing guidelines on the application of the two policies and an approach for dealing with "trust agreements."
For the implementation of A Policy Framework for the Management of Fisheries on Canada’s Atlantic Coast to be successful, continued cooperation with fishery stakeholders, Aboriginal groups, the provinces, Nunavut and other government departments and agencies is essential. DFO will continue to work with these and other interested parties on all new initiatives developed through the framework.
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