Funding announced will serve to strengthen industry

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture was provided $10.4 million for their 2002-2003 budget. Gerry Reid, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, announced that the province has allocated $100,000 to assist in measures against foreign overfishing. "The province will work with the industry and the union to develop a coordinated approach to ensure that the federal government acts decisively in convincing foreign countries to adhere to strict conservation practices," said Minister Reid. "This should be done through NAFO measures. However, we must be willing to take any steps necessary to see the elimination of foreign overfishing in the waters surrounding us, to protect our precious fishery resources."

Continued funding of $254,000 will further enhance the department�s Quality Assurance and Inspection Program. This program was implemented in 2000, and has yielded great results for the industry as the province enjoys a reputation as a world leader in the production of premium quality products.

"Achieving and maintaining premium quality is a priority for both industry and the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture," added Minister Reid. "Together, we have been successful in our efforts in this regard, and we will continue to strive for top quality in our production of seafood products."

The department will also provide $350,000 in continued funding for the Community Fisheries Infrastructure Program. "This program is one of the most useful and beneficial of its kind for those rural communities with existing fishery infrastructure in need of repair," said Minister Reid. "Funding from this program allows for the repair and maintenance of infrastructure, which is vital to the people in the fishing industry in those communities."

During the 2002-2003 fiscal year, the department will also continue to provide funding for the fish price negotiation process that was implemented by government and industry as a result of the Task Force Report on Crab/Fish Prices.

Minister Reid also announced that the department would continue to fund the Fisheries Conservation Chair at Memorial University in the amount of $300,000. The money will assist in the work of the chair, particularly in regard to its role in the development of fisheries conservation research and the advancement of scientific research on Newfoundland and Labrador fish stocks and marine ecosystems.

During 2002-2003, the department will also expend approximately $2 million in cost-shared money under the Canada-Newfoundland Agreement on Economic Development and Fisheries Adjustment, for the Fisheries Diversification Program. "So many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians derive their livelihood from our fishery, and the survival of rural communities depend upon it. Supporting a variety of programs and initiatives, the Fisheries Diversification Program plays a valuable role in ensuring that our communities and people have a future in the fishery."

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Communications, (709) 729-3733.

2002 03 21                            3:00 p.m.