September 21, 1999
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)

Outcome of recent NAFO meetings a victory for Canada

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister John Efford said today that NAFO meetings held last week in Halifax resulted in a major victory for Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador with the opening of a new shrimpfishery in 3L, which was based on a number of terms outlined by the Canadian delegation.

Mr. Efford said: "The decision by NAFO to establish a new shrimp fishery in 3L is great news for Canada and most importantly, great news for Newfoundland and Labrador. The opening of this new fishery willprovide additional opportunities for the Newfoundland fleet."  The TAC for the new shrimp fishery is 6,000 tonnes for 2000 and 2001. Canada will get the greatest share of the TAC at 83 per cent, which is to be fished inside 200 miles and in water depths greater than 200 metres, minimizing the impacts on sensitive groundfish stocks. The remaining 17 per cent of the TAC will go to other NAFO countries, which equates to 66 tonnes for each country, and will be fished outside 200miles.

"Canada achieved success on a number of agenda items at the NAFO meetings, but the item that was clearly of greatest importance was the 3L shrimp fishery. The value of this new shrimp fishery is approximately $15-20 million. This is a tremendous economic opportunity for the fishing industry in our province," said Mr. Efford.

Overall, Mr. Efford said Canada achieved all of its objectives for the 1999 NAFO meetings. Besides the 3L shrimp fishery, other successes included the continuation of existing moratoria, particularly 3NO cod and 3LNO American plaice; additional conservation measures to reduce the harvest of juvenile turbot; and an increase in the yellowtail quota from 6,000 to 10,000 tonnes.

Media contact: Sonia B. Glover-Sullivan, (709) 729-3733, Cell: (709) 682-0368.

1999 09 21                  9:40 a.m.