November 9, 1999
(Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture)

Efford applauds Dhaliwal's decision to establish Eminent Persons Panel on Seal Issues

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister John Efford says he is extremely pleased with the federal government's recent decision to establish a panel of eminent persons to provide advice on a long-term strategy for the management of seal populations.

"This is indeed a victory for the provincial government's All-Party Committee on Sealing. We recommended that such a panel be established in our presentation to the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans and therefore see this decision as a significant one," said Mr. Efford, who lead the all-party committee to Ottawa in April.

Establishing an Eminent Persons Committee on Seal Issues is one of several recommendations made by the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans in its seal report, which was tabled in the House of Commons in June 1999. The federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Herb Dhaliwal, officially responded to the recommendations on Friday, November 5.

Mr. Efford said establishing an Eminent Persons Panel on Seal Issues is a significant step towards developing a management plan to deal with the imbalance that currently exists in our marine ecosystem as a result of a mushrooming seal population. He added that the growing seal population is impeding the future of our groundfishery and the future of the people of rural Newfoundland and Labrador.

"The federal government's response to the seal report reflects the position of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and I am very pleased that Mr. Dhaliwal is moving forward on this important issue. Establishing an advisory panel on seal issues is a major step forward in addressing an overpopulated seal herd that is negatively impacting the recovery of our groundfishery."

Mr. Efford added that the federal government must take a lead role in the overpopulated seal herd issue and Mr. Dhaliwal's decision to ensure an eminent person's panel is established shows that the federal government recognizes the importance and urgency of addressing the issue. He said his department looks forward to working with federal officials in establishing the advisory panel and ensuring that the panel is put in place as soon as possible.

"I commend Mr. Dhaliwal for his efforts regarding the seal issue in our province and the cooperation he has shown since taking over the fisheries portfolio from David Anderson," added Mr. Efford.

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

1999 11 09                         11:25 a.m.