Status of the community based watershed experiments for inland fisheries

Dr. Rex Gibbons, Minster of Natural Resources, stated today that he would like to clarify the status of the community based watershed experiments for inland fisheries. The minister feels that there has been some misunderstanding on government's intention on management of inland fish resources. The minister elaborated that while the government is anxious to involve communities and various stakeholders in managing the inland fisheries resources including salmon, it does not intend to transfer ownership of these resources to individuals or communities. Government recognizes that the decisions on management of our inland fisheries resources will be more relevant if they are made with the involvement of local communities, various interest groups and users because they bring in a wealth of local knowledge and dedication. Government recognizes that these are provincial resources and must remain accessible to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. He emphasized that there is no intention of privatizing our salmon rivers as has been suggested by some private individuals in Western Newfoundland recently.

Government has approved two trials for involvement of the communities in the Indian Bay and St. George's areas which require the federal and provincial governments to facilitate the involvement of these communities in managing the inland fisheries resources. In doing so, government has insisted that the provision of equal access and conservation must remain paramount in any management planning. Government has also insisted that such organizations must remain open for involvement of any resident who wishes to become a member of the organization.

Contact: Jim Hancock, (709) 729-2817; or Anna Buffinga, (709) 729-3750