Minister announces Provincial Advisory Council on Foreign Overfishing

Gerry Reid, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, announced today the establishment of a Provincial Advisory Council on Foreign Overfishing. The council will consist of Dr. Art May, Mr. Les Dean, Mr. Earle McCurdy, Mr. Alastair O�Reilly, Mr. Bruce Wareham, Mr. Glenn Blackwood and Dr. George Rose.

"Foreign overfishing continues to be a significant problem for the industry in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Reid. "As such, we have established the Provincial Advisory Council on Foreign Overfishing, so as to provide the province with good advice on how we can work to resolve the issues related to overfishing on the Nose and Tail of the Grand Banks. Collectively and individually, this group possesses a substantial level of knowledge and expertise in the fishery, and I am confident that working together, we can develop sound and rational resolutions to problems related to foreign overfishing."

The minister and the Advisory Council had their first meeting on Tuesday, June 25. The meeting was designed to outline the issues surrounding foreign overfishing, to discuss the model of custodial management which has been developed by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and to discuss some preliminary ideas on solutions to the issue.

"We had a frank and open discussion at our meeting, and I was impressed and encouraged by the depth of knowledge and the range of ideas put forward," added Reid. "One of the main items addressed was the need to garner the support of the federal government. I have met with Minister Thibault on several occasions and clearly outlined for him the province�s position. It is imperative that Canada take a firm stance on this issue at the September NAFO meeting and, as such, we must work quickly towards developing a decisive and firm position so as to protect the interests of the Newfoundland and Labrador fishery."

Reid has also made representation to several individuals and groups on this issue including: the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans; all of the Atlantic Canadian Fisheries Ministers; a delegation from the EU Parliament; the Prime Minister�s Round Table on the Environment and the Economy; the St. John�s Board of Trade; the local, national and international media; and, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. As well, later this week, Minister Reid will raise the issue in a meeting with a group of Parliamentarians from Germany.

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

2002 06 26                              3:05 p.m.