April 14, 1999
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)

Fisheries minister insists he is not asking for an increased seal quota for 1999

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister John Efford commented today on the situation with seal markets in Newfoundland and Labrador and how some sealers have expressed concern over why the minister is in Ottawa looking for an increase in the quota when they can't find a market for the pelts that they already have.

Mr. Efford said the purpose of his trip to Ottawa, along with the members of the All-Party Committee from the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, is not to seek an increase in the total allowable catch (TAC) for seals for 1999.

He stated that they are trying to get the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, David Anderson, to put in place an appropriate management plan that will control the overpopulated seal herd on the east coast that is impacting the recovery of the cod stocks.

"I have heard some comments from sealers saying that the minister should not be in Ottawa asking for an increased TAC when they can't find buyers for the seals they are harvesting now. I want to emphasize that I am not lobbying for a quota increase for 1999. Our meetings and news conference in Ottawa is a separate issue from the present market situation for seal products."

Mr. Efford said he doesn't understand why any sealer would suggest that he is trying to increase the TAC for 1999, and wants to clarify any misunderstanding.

He reiterated that he is trying to get officials in Ottawa to understand the negative impact the overpopulated seal herd is having on the future of the ground fishery, and the impact it is having on the people of rural Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. Efford added that the federal government must develop a strategy to solve this problem.

Media Contact: Mary MacNab, Sealing Promotions Officer, Cell: (709) 682-8270, or Sonia B. Glover, Communications, (709) 729-3733.

1999 04 14                       4:40 p.m.