Ministers make presentation on foreign over fishing to
National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy

Gerry Reid, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Kevin Aylward, Minister of the Environment, gave a joint presentation today to the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE), which held meetings in St. John�s this week.

"The issue of foreign over fishing and the exploitation of our fishery resources, is of profound significance to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Reid. "The implications of the negligent and irresponsible fishing practices of NAFO member countries, have serious consequences for both the provincial and national economy, and obviously on the environment. Minister Aylward and I felt that this was an good opportunity to bring national attention to this important issue, and hopefully gain support from the National Round Table members. We explained the problems we are facing within NAFO, and outlined the province�s position on custodial management, which we are hoping the federal government will support in our efforts to put an end to the rape of the fishery resources."

The National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy NRTEE, is an independent advisory body that provides the federal government with advise and recommendations for promoting sustainable development. NRTEE identifies key issues with both environmental and economic prosperity with environmental preservation. They were in St. John�s today as the roundtable begins consultations across the country.

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Environment stated in his presentation: "Our prosperity is dependent on the sustainability of our ocean environment. The consequences of poor management are huge to the people and the economy of our province."

"As the Minister of Environment I viewed the roundtable as an important partner in addressing these issues. I have also asked for foreign overfishing to be placed on the agenda during national meetings of the Ministers of Environment in October 2002. I will also be requesting the federal Minister of Environment, David Anderson to make representation to the European Union Commission on the issue of foreign overfishing on the nose and tail of the Grand Banks," said Minister Aylward.

Minister Reid has made representation on several occasions to the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Robert Thibault, on the issue of foreign overfishing and Canada�s responsibility to Newfoundland and Labrador in protecting our fisheries resources. He will be meeting with Minister Thibault in early June to further discuss the issue, and to reiterate the province�s position on custodial management. Minister Aylward will also champion this cause, as foreign overfishing has such severe implications on our environment.

Media contact:

Elizabeth Matthews, Communications, Fisheries and Aquaculture (709) 729-3733, or (709) 727-3438

Cynthia Layden-Barron, Communications, Environment, (709) 729-2575

2002 05 24                              4:10 p.m.