Minister comments on 2003 Snow Crab Management Plan

Yvonne Jones, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, responded today to the release of the 2003 Newfoundland and Labrador Snow Crab Management Plan.

"The crab industry continues to remain strong and today�s announcement by the federal minister will ensure the industry continues to be a major contributor to our economy," she said.

Minister Jones said the total allowable catch (TAC) of 56,240 tonnes remains near historically high levels, even though this is a modest overall decrease of 1.3 per cent from last year�s TAC.

"There are areas that will be greatly impacted by quota reductions, but overall the province will continue to benefit from this important fishery," she said.

She is pleased that the management plan announced by Minister Thibault continues to take a prudent and conservative approach to the management of this fishery.

"This fishery has become very important to the province�s harvesters and processors and proper management is crucial if we are to continue to benefit from this resource," she said.

Areas most seriously impacted by quota reductions are communities in Labrador adjacent to 2J and on the South Coast in subdivision 3Ps, both of which will see significant quota reductions. In 2J, quotas south of 54⁰ 40' N will be reduced by 40 per cent and overall quotas in 3Ps will be reduced by 20 per cent. "I am very concerned about the impact these reductions will have on harvesters and processing workers in these areas," said the minister, who went on to note that the greatest impacts will be in Labrador where there are few alternative opportunities in the fishery.

"Labrador harvesters, plant workers and communities will be most negatively impacted by the quota cuts. Minister Thibault must recognize the impacts on these areas and take this into consideration when he announces the 2003 Shrimp Management Plan. Shrimp quotas are expected to increase and areas adjacent to the resource must benefit from any increase," said Minister Jones.

Minister Jones welcomed the announcement by the federal minister that he will consider expanding the no-trawl zone in the Hawke Channel as a very positive development. "This is an important fishing ground for crab as well as cod and it should be closed. This move would help conserve and rebuild these stocks," said the minister.

She is also pleased with management measures that help ensure that the snow crab fishery is conducted in an orderly fashion. These measures include the tracking of offshore vessels, trip limits and dockside monitoring. Minister Jones indicated that she hopes the management measures outlined by the federal minister will ensure that stocks rebuild in those areas facing quota reductions at this time.

"Overall, market prices are good and the resource is generally very healthy," said the minister. "Harvesters and processors have reached a price agreement so the fishery will start on time. As well, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture will continue its Quality Assurance Program and ensure the best quality product is landed and processed for the world�s consumers."

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

2003 04 17                                       9:25 a.m.