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October 7, 1997
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)

Cooperation key theme at fisheries' ministers meeting

Ministers responsible for marine and inland fisheries concluded their two-day annual conference today following productive discussions on key fisheries issues.

This fourth annual conference was co-chaired by David Anderson, Federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and John Efford, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture for Newfoundland and Labrador, the host province.

Mr. Anderson reiterated his commitment to make conservation paramount in all fisheries-related activities. "This was my first meeting with my provincial and territorial colleagues. It was an opportunity to review our respective priorities and concerns and to discuss how we can work together for the benefit of the fisheries resource and those Canadians who depend on it," noted Mr. Anderson.

Mr. Efford, speaking on behalf of the provincial ministers, identified the need for a more results-oriented approach including a review on progress within six months. "Whether it is the management of groundfisheries or the seal fishery, or freshwater fisheries, we are all facing special challenges that can best be met through working co-operatively," he said.

Ministers agreed that the Fisheries Act needs to reflect current realities and noted the importance of quickly passing a modernized Fisheries Act in order to streamline the regulatory process. Any changes to the act must complement the fishery of the future, a fishery which is environmentally sustainable and economically viable, and in which cooperation and partnership between the federal and provincial governments is maximized. The changes must also provide better tools to those directly involved in the conservation of the resource. The federal minister undertook to consult with his provincial and territorial colleagues on the Fisheries Act prior to the introduction of the legislation.

Ministers reviewed the issue of delegation of responsibility for fish habitat provisions of the Fisheries Act. Most provinces have been requesting delegation for years. The federal minister indicated his intention to advance this issue and introduce a revised Fisheries Act in the next few months and further committed to consulting with all provinces and territories on the habitat delegation provisions prior to introducing the act. Discussions with provinces, on a bilateral basis, will take place on the issues and concerns with respect to delegation. Quebec noted its agreement about the importance of habitat protection but differed on the issue of respective responsibilities on this topic.

Ministers agreed on the need to review the seal management strategies. They agreed that these strategies should address all aspects of the issue, including ecosystem impacts, as well as further resource development opportunities that are consistent with the sustainable harvest of this resource. The impact of an expanding seal population on groundfish recovery was highlighted by Mr. Efford and his Atlantic counterparts.

The ministers agreed that sound science is vitally important to successful fisheries management. Provinces stressed the need for federal scientific involvement in fisheries which target developmental species and stocks. They also discussed ways to provide for more effective participation of provinces, fishers and universities in the scientific advisory process. The continuation of the sentinel fisheries program was also supported, as was a process to develop an agreement for establishing federal/provincial priorities in freshwater science programs.

The important role of the Fisheries Resource Conservation Council (FRCC) in providing advice to the federal minister was highlighted by ministers. It was agreed by atlantic and federal ministers that a recommendation to broaden the FRCC's mandate would be considered further at a future meeting of the Atlantic Conference of Fisheries Ministers.

A similar advisory body, the Pacific Fisheries Resource Conservation Council will be established on the West Coast to provide advice to both governments on conservation of Pacific Salmon and its habitat. The Canada - B.C. Council of Fisheries Ministers will review detailed design proposals following extensive stakeholders consultations.

Building on the theme of co-operation, ministers supported:

- the need for a national Oceans Strategy built on the principles of sustainable development, integrated management and the precautionary approach, while maximizing the economic potential of Canada's oceans. Although Quebec supported the need for a strategy, Quebec did not support this federal initiative.

- the development of initiatives for the advancement of the aquaculture industry, which could translate into jobs for Canadians in rural and coastal areas. Important steps in that direction include: establishing a federal Commissioner for Aquaculture Development and furthering the implementation of the federal Aquaculture Development Strategy;

- the need to promote recreational fisheries through innovative partnerships. Ministers recognized the economic and social-cultural importance of sport fishing, and committed to a process designed to renew support for sport fishing across Canada, and;

- finalization of a national policy on the introduction and transfers of non-native fish species and other aquatic organisms.

Provincial and Territorial Fisheries Ministers agreed that further consultations with provinces, territories and stakeholders should be held before the Canadian Endangered Species Protection legislation is reintroduced in the House of Commons.

Mr. Anderson and his colleagues from Quebec, the Atlantic provinces and Northwest Territories agreed to discuss establishing provincial historical shares of landings in the Atlantic fishery at the next meeting of the Atlantic Conference of Fisheries Ministers.

Provincial ministers expressed concern over the cumulative impacts of fishery-related fees on the fishing industry and coastal communities. They agreed that, because of the urgent need to resolve this matter, it should be a priority issue for the next meeting of ministers later this Fall.

Provinces unanimously stated that they should be active participants in the negotiations process leading to fishery co-management plans. In the new Fisheries Act, provinces requested that they formally recognized in the partnership section.

Provincial ministers expressed their concern over the impact on fleets and communities of the removal of federal support for some commercial harbour facilities.