August 3, 1999
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)

Minister reminds fishers to keep ocean clean

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister John Efford is reminding all fishers in Newfoundland and Labrador of the importance of a clean, healthy ocean and is encouraging them to conduct good environmental practices when on the water or in port.

Mr. Efford said we all have a role to play in keeping our ocean clean, especially those who earn a living from the sea and work on the water.

"We must remember that our ocean and all of its resources need protection and if we are to continue to earn a living from the sea we must not pollute it. A healthy ocean will allow us to benefit from its resources for generations to come."

In an effort to get the message out about the importance of a clean ocean, Mr. Efford has sent a letter to fishing skippers around the province, asking them to be cognizant of the environment when on the water.

"I would say that the majority of fishing skippers and fishers do conduct good environmental practices and they are to be commended for their efforts, but there are some people who still dispose of containers, cardboard and other garbage at sea and this kind of pollution will impact negatively on our future use of the ocean for our livelihoods."

Mr. Efford stressed that the ocean is why we are here today, adding that it is because of our ocean's rich resources that Newfoundland and Labrador was founded hundreds of years ago.

"Our fishery and the ocean was and continues to remain the key factor in the economic and social development of our province. We must, however, protect our ocean from pollution if it is to remain a vital aspect of our economy."

Media contact: Sonia B. Glover-Sullivan, Communications, (709) 729-3733.

1999 08 03         12:50 p.m.