January 26, 1999
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Minister urges federal government to release 1999 salmon plan

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, is urging the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans to release the Salmon Management Plan for the 1999 season. Furey is concerned that delays in announcing the plan will have negative economic effects on the outfitter and retail industries, which will in turn impact a multi-million dollar tourism industry.

"The outfitters of the province are in the process of travelling around North America, attempting to promote and sell angler packages for the upcoming season. Due to the fact that DFO has not released the salmon plan, the outfitters do not really know what they are selling. This places Newfoundland and Labrador outfitters at a competitive disadvantage, and I am very concerned about the negative economic impact that will result," said Minister Furey.

"There are definite implications for our tourism industry as well, as Newfoundland and Labrador has the majority of salmon rivers in Atlantic Canada," said Furey. "We are simply asking DFO to provide our anglers, outfitters and retail outlets with an adequate and fair opportunity to make arrangements for the upcoming season."

The industry had requested that the plan be announced by mid-January. Providing the announcement is made within the next few days, Minister Furey feels optimistic that there still may be time to provide the industry with adequate notice to promote this year's plan.

Media contact: Tara Laing, (709) 729-3555.

1999 01 26 4:05 p.m.