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Minister meets with the World
Wildlife Fund to discuss foreign overfishing The problems and consequences associated with foreign overfishing continue to be a serious concern for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Additionally, the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) continues to be ineffective in dealing with member countries who consistently demonstrate irresponsible and reckless fishing practices. As such, Gerry Reid, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, met yesterday with officials from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to begin discussions on alternative approaches to the management of the fishery outside of Canada�s 200-mile limit. "The initial meeting was a productive one," said Minister Reid. "Primarily, it allowed us to outline the province's concerns over the current NAFO based fisheries management regime in the Northwest Atlantic and to solicit the support of the WWF for the custodial management approach being advanced by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. It also provided us an opportunity to explore issues of common interest in relation to marine conservation and the management of fisheries resources in the Northwest Atlantic. We were pleased to learn the WWF has chosen oceans and marine conservation issues as its area of focus over the next decade. These matters are closely linked to the province's ongoing efforts to improve the management and rebuilding of fisheries resources on the Grand Banks - which are acknowledged by all to be among the most important and productive marine environments in the world." During the meeting, the parties agreed that the current approach to fisheries management through NAFO is not working, as evidenced by the failure of collapsed fish stocks to rebuild despite being under moratoria for the past 10 years, and agreed to continue to work together to explore alternatives to the current approach. "The meeting represents a significant step forward for the province in its ongoing campaign to advance this issue in Canada and internationally," said Minister Reid. "It is clear that foreign overfishing and irresponsible fishing practices by NAFO member countries continue to decimate the fisheries resources on the Nose and Tail of the Grand Banks. In the absence of support from the federal government on this front, the province feels a duty to seek new and innovative partnerships to deal with the problems we face in the fishery. We believe establishing a broad-based coalition of "like-minded" interests is critical to success in this regard, and a relationship with an internationally recognized and respected organization like WWF will be important for any future campaigns we might undertake." Dr. George Rose and Glen Blackwood, members of the Minister�s Provincial Advisory Council on Foreign Overfishing, accompanied the minister to the meeting. "Dr. Rose and Mr. Blackwood have a vested interest in ensuring the success of the fishery in this province," said Minister Reid. "They brought valuable and necessary perspectives to the table and will be of great assistance in future meetings with the organization. Following yesterday�s initial meeting, both parties have agreed to follow-up discussions over the coming weeks. "Make no mistake, this province was built on the fishery and it still plays a significant role in our social and economic success," said Minister Reid. "I fully intend to pursue every possible avenue to ensure that this resource is sustained and developed for the full benefit of this province." Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Communications, (709) 729-3733. 2002 11 06 2:00 p.m. |
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