Fisheries and Oceans Canada endorses the importance of maintaining an independent and economically viable inshore fleet. Given the widespread concerns expressed by inshore fleets that the fleet separation policy is being undermined by “trust agreements,” Fisheries and Oceans Canada released a discussion document in December 2003 to form the basis of public consultations on this issue.

Preserving the Independence of the Inshore Fleet in Canada's Atlantic Fisheries invited resource users and others to participate in an examination of the fleet separation policy with respect to its underlying objectives. Views were also sought on other approaches to foster the independence and economic viability of fleets covered by the owner-operator and fleet separation policies. During January 2004, consultations were held across Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Nunavut.

News Release:
Thibault announces Discussion Document on Preserving the Independence of the Inshore Fleet

Backgrounder:
Preserving the Independence of the Inshore Fleet in Canada's Atlantic Fisheries

Discussion Document (2003):
Preserving the Independence of the Inshore Fleet in Canada's Atlantic Fisheries - .html format

Discussion Document (2003):
Preserving the Independence of the Inshore Fleet in Canada's Atlantic Fisheries - .pdf format (238 KB)

Consultation Schedule

List of Formal Presentations

List of Written Submissions

Summaries of 2004 Public Sessions