Minister comments on closure of Canadian ports to Faroese fishing vessels

Gerry Reid, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today commented on a move by the federal government to close Canadian ports to vessels from the Faroe Islands, which are fishing shrimp beyond the 200 mile limit.

"The Faroese have demonstrated repeatedly that they have no respect for the conservation of the fisheries resource outside of the 200 mile limit," said Reid. "They continue to ignore NAFO measures, and the number of unlawful infractions against the Faroese are reflective of their disregard for the conservation of shrimp stocks."

Yesterday, Robert Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, closed Canadian ports to fishing vessels from the Faroe Islands for the remainder of this year, as a direct result of NAFO violations.

"I commend Minister Thibault on taking this action, which sends a clear message, that Canada will not tolerate non-compliance with NAFO conservation measures," added Reid. "It is unfortunate that some communities in the province will be negatively impacted by this move, however, it is an important step towards protecting our fisheries resources.

"Not only are the Faroese and others, overfishing the resource, more galling is the fact that these people are using our ports to transship shrimp products back into the European Union (EU), where our shrimp product cannot compete due to the 20 per cent tariff imposed by the EU.

"By allowing this to continue, we are aiding and abetting the rape of our own fish stocks. This is clearly unacceptable, and I am pleased that the federal government is finally taking some action to address this issue which is of such vital importance to Newfoundland and Labrador."

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, (709) 729-3733 or (709) 727-3438

2002 03 22           12:50 p.m.