Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture concerned with science on northern cod

Yesterday, Fisheries and Oceans Canada released a summary of scientific data of northern cod stocks off the east coast of Newfoundland and the southern coast of Labrador, in the northern and southern Gulf of St. Lawrence and off the coast of southeastern Nova Scotia. This data is provided to the Fisheries Resource Conservation Council (FRCC) for its consideration and for public consultations with industry. The report is set to be released on Monday, March 3.

Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Yvonne Jones, stated, "We are concerned over the status of these stocks and the apparent lack of rebuilding; however, there are other issues that need to be addressed in the management of the fishery, particularly as it relates to seal populations and the role of caplin in the recovery of cod stocks."

"The FRCC will be holding public consultations on the findings of science on these stocks next week," said the minister. "This will give resource users the opportunity to present their views on the state of the resource and recommend appropriate action to address the situation. I want to encourage every user of these resources to participate in the consultation process to provide the benefits of their experience and expertise. We anticipate that the FRCC will take into account the views of all those involved, and examine a suite of possible measures to address the problem we currently face."

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

2003 02 28                                         1:45 p.m.