Minister pleased with report from Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans

Gerry Reid, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, commented today on the report from the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, which was presented yesterday to Robert Thibault, Federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.

"I am very pleased that the Standing Committee recommended custodial management to the federal Minister," said Reid. "In my presentation to the committee in March of this year, I clearly outlined the case for custodial management, and I am very satisfied to see that they understood and supported the position of the province and our proposed resolution to the issue of foreign overfishing."

Foreign overfishing continues to be an issue of great concern for Newfoundland and Labrador. There has been an increase in reported infractions outside of the two-hundred mile limit, including but not limited to fishing species under moratorium, using under-size mesh, misreporting catches and failing to provide observer reports. As a result, Reid has advocated custodial management of the nose and tail of the Grand Banks and has made representation to Minister Thibault on several occasions in this regard.

"We are developing the model for Custodial Management within the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture," added Reid. "Under Custodial Management, Canada would manage the NAFO areas of the nose and tail for the purpose of applying consistent and conservation based measures, while recognizing the historical shares of other nations. Essentially, however, Canada would be responsible for the management and enforcement of the quotas, regulations and conservation measures."

Under current NAFO rules, member countries are responsible for enforcing regulations and prosecuting violations. This has repeatedly proven to be ineffective, as certain countries continue to blatantly disregard conservation measures and regulations.

"I would like to commend the Standing Committee on this report, which clearly takes into consideration the position of this province," said Reid. "I am hopeful that Minister Thibault will seriously consider this report and accept the recommendations, including implementation of custodial management on the nose and tail of the Grand Banks. Only then, will we be in a position to ensure the future viability and sustainability of our fisheries resources. I will continue to press the federal Minister on this issue, as we must have the support of the Government of Canada on this issue."

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

2002 06 12                           11:25 a.m.