Minister to attend Atlantic Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers Meeting

Yvonne Jones, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, is attending the Atlantic Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers Meeting in Halifax today. The agenda includes a discussion of the economic importance of the Atlantic cod fisheries, specifically the 2J3KL (Northern cod); 3Pn4RS (Northern Gulf); and 4TVn (Southern Gulf) cod fisheries and the new federal Species at Risk Act.

Minister Jones stated: "Economic analyses has shown that any closure of the cod stocks will have the most impact on Newfoundland and Labrador fish harvesters, plant workers and communities, particularly those who live adjacent to these fish stocks. These meetings are significant to our province and our economic future. We will continue to cooperate with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and the governments of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Nunavut to address the serious issues in the Atlantic cod fishery."

Newfoundland and Labrador is working through an All-Party Committee to prepare a united and comprehensive position on this most serious matter. The All-Party Committee will be presenting their recommendations to the Government of Canada by mid-March.

"The All-Party Committee is examining the key issues around the state of the cod fishery," said the minister. "We are looking at the status of the cod stocks, reviewing scientific information, developing measures needed to assist in stock recovery and assessing the full range of actions and responses required to maximize economic opportunities for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in the fishery."

The federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Robert Thibault will make a presentation to the provincial ministers on the new Species at Risk Act; in particular, as it relates to the commercial fishing and aquaculture industries.

Minister Jones said: "While we agree with the intent of the act as it relates to the protection of endangered species, however there is concern about the impact it will have on the fishing industry. We hope that the discussion will provide provinces with a better understanding of the act, its objectives, processes, and implications for the fishing industry. We highlighted the need to have the industry fully involved in the process to identify species at risk, and the recovery measures which may be necessary to rebuild endangered species."

At the round table, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Yvonne Jones highlighted several of the many challenges and opportunities that face the Newfoundland and Labrador fishing industry including the Atlantic cod fishery challenges. Specifically the minister discussed the need to implement a custodial management regime to protect straddling fish stocks in the NAFO regulatory area. Other issues highlighted by the Newfoundland and Labrador government include aquaculture development potential and seafood trade issues.

Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron (709) 729 3733

2003 02 21                                       1:30 p.m.