February 25, 2000
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Action needed to support management of inland fish

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, responsible for inland fish, stated today there is concern among the various stakeholders regarding the lack of adequate scientific information for the management of inland fish i.e. salmon, trout, char and pike in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Minister Aylward said: "I want to assure the sports anglers and other stakeholders that while the federal government has the primary responsibility for managing this resource, the province recognizes the need for cooperation with the federal government in improving the management of inland fish.

"The federal government has the primary responsibility for managing this resource and it is necessary to improve the level of cooperation with the province, community-based organizations in this province and the federal government in order to help ensure the future of this valuable resource."

The minister further stated that a meeting was held with Herb Dhaliwal, federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, in Ottawa on February 21, with participation from Beaton Tulk, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal and himself.

" The meeting was very constructive, Minister Dhaliwal agrees with the importance of salmon and trout resources for the people of this province and Canada. I hope Minister Dhaliwal recognizes the importance of the Atlantic Salmon and the sensitivity surrounding this province�s contribution to the overall health of the salmonid stocks throughout North America," said Mr. Aylward. "It is important to convince the federal government that salmonid management is a complex matter requiring contributions from numerous volunteer organizations, sustained scientific assessment and monitoring activity combined with effective enhancement and enforcement measures. Without immediate federal support, financial and otherwise, effective management of salmonid stocks is not possible."

"While the province is asking for a swift response from Ottawa with respect to immediate funding for inland fisheries management, stakeholders agree a long term funding commitment is what is really required," Minister Aylward said. "I will continue to ask the federal government for prompt action regarding support for salmonid management. Hopefully this will result in those with an interest in salmonid management being provided with the means to do so in an effective manner."

Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron, Communications, (709) 729-6183.

2000 02 25                                                                 9:30 a.m.