All-Party Committee Report

DFO Response

1. The Government of Canada must not implement a moratorium on the 2J3KL and 3Pn4RS commercial cod fisheries until an all-inclusive program for rebuilding and conserving these cod stocks is implemented, and its success evaluated.

Rejected; however, by-catch of 1,500 tonnes only, primarily in Gulf to accommodate American plaice and Greenland halibut fishery.

2. The following measures must be implemented to assist with the recovery of both cod stocks: Directed fishing for cod should be restricted to hook and line fishing only; Measures must be taken to reduce the amount of cod discarded during the fishery; and Limits should be placed on fishing seasons for cod.

Rejected

3. The Government of Canada must implement a plan to reduce the size of the over-populated seal resource (including harp seals, hooded seals and grey seals) to a level that will support cod stock rebuilding, and a sufficient population to support a sustainable sealing industry. Further, DFO must identify Seal Exclusion Zones, as proposed by the FRCC, to protect recovering cod stocks. In addition, as part of a plan, government should continue to support the full utilization of the seal resource through industry development efforts, including the removal of the prohibition on the sale of "blueback" hooded seals.

Partial acceptance of recommendation, with creation of exclusion zones. Will consult with provinces and industry on specifics (e.g., size and implementation). No indication of more proactive measures to reduce size of seal population.

$6 million for seal science. No mention of funds for seal economic development initiatives or removal of blueback seal harvest prohibition.

4. The Government of Canada must establish a Prime Minister�s task force on the Atlantic groundfish fishery. The work of the task force would include identifying the reasons for the lack of recovery of groundfish stocks, and the solutions necessary for stock recovery and conservation.

Rejected.

5. There must be a moratorium on the recreational cod fishery throughout Atlantic Canada and Quebec where cod stocks are at a low level. Where a full commercial cod fishery is permitted (e.g., 3Ps), there should also be an opportunity for a recreational cod fishery.

Moratorium announced in areas where stocks are closed in the Gulf and 2J3KL. No closure throughout Atlantic Canada and Quebec.

6. To protect cod stocks, and their habitat, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans should impose a ban on otter trawling in critical cod spawning areas, and areas of juvenile cod aggregations. Specific areas to be closed to otter trawling are: the Hawke Channel, St. Anthony Basin, Funk Island Deep, and the Bonavista Corridor.

Limited ban announced in Hawke Channel, and Bonavista corridor. Specifics to be determined following consultation with industry. Rejected ban on trawling in St. Anthony Basin and Funk Island Deep.

7. Given the important role that capelin play in the cod ecosystem, a moratorium must be placed on the commercial capelin fishery, and measures to reduce capelin bycatch in the shrimp fishery, specifically in the Gulf and the Northern shrimp fisheries.

40% reduction in capelin TAC in Gulf and NE Coast of NL. Essentially status quo given reduced harvest levels.

8. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans must request the FRCC to prepare - on an urgent basis - the long-term plan for the rebuilding of the Northern cod stock; and to complete the recovery plan for the 3Pn4RS cod stock.

Rejected. Identifies DFO�s actions as their "comprehensive plan" to rebuild cod stocks.

9. The Government of Canada must increase the level of funding to DFO for scientific research. This would include a requirement for a new mechanism to improve partnering between DFO science, academics and industry. Further, DFO must improve its commitment to seal science to provide specific information which allows for a better understanding of the relationship between seals, cod and capelin and the physical environment.

$6 million increase for seal-cod science including population surveys and research on seal management measures. No increase in other scientific research funding. However, DFO reducing sentinel fishery and savings of approximately 20% will be reprofiled for other scientific research. No details provided.

Rejected new mechanisms to improve partnering on science.

10. As a means to improve the level of scientific understanding of the marine ecosystem, government and industry must increase the level of support for the operation of the Fisheries Conservation Chair at Memorial University. This increased support would be targeted towards research on important commercial fish stocks, especially cod stocks and their ecosystem.

Rejected.

11. Scientific research and fisheries management must move toward a multi-species approach (i.e., an ecosystems approach) as opposed to the current single species approach. As a specific example of a multi-species research requirement, scientific research needs to be conducted on capelin stocks, and the capelin fishery, to determine their role and impact on cod stock rebuilding.

Rejected.

12. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans must review the stock assessment process, data acquisition and quality assurance procedures for cod stocks. Related to this, the department must ensure there is a consistent, open and transparent Regional Assessment Process (RAP) between the DFO�s fisheries management regions.

Rejected.

13. To address the problem of foreign overfishing, Canada must establish a Canadian-based fisheries management regime to protect straddling fish stocks and their ecosystem. This would include Canada placing observers on all vessels, and implementing a custodial management regime for straddling fish stocks on the nose and tail of the Newfoundland Grand Banks.

Rejected.

14. The Government of Canada must implement an enhanced fishery enforcement program to protect recovering fish stocks from the destructive effects of illegal fishing.

Rejected.

15. The Government of Canada should work with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to determine the feasibility of cod stock enhancement to help rebuild cod stocks. Further, government should encourage and assist fish harvesters to contribute to cod stock recovery through a cod grow-out and release initiative.

Rejected.

16. The Government of Canada must investigate the applicability of a "special area status" designation to protect cod stocks in bays and on the Grand Banks.

Rejected.

17. The Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, in partnership with industry organizations and academic institutions, should implement/enhance education programs for fish harvesters in conservation practices and sustainable fish harvesting technology.

Rejected.

18. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans must review the operation of the sentinel fishery and the index fishery with the objective being to optimize their use as contributors of data to fisheries science and management.

Reducing sentinel fishery. Operational review rejected.

19. In partnership with the fishing industry and the Marine Institute, governments must continue to conduct research on the environmental sustainability of different types of harvesting. Based on the research findings, measures must be taken to minimize ghost fishing, bycatch of non-targeted species, and habitat destruction.

Rejected.

The Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador must continue to assist the private sector to further develop and diversify the Newfoundland and Labrador economy, including the province�s fishing and aquaculture industries. Partnerships between governments, industry, and regional development organizations through cost-shared agreements are considered to be the best approach to economic development.

Unknown. Appears to be rejected. May be included in commitment to prepare an economic development program. Will consult with provinces and industry.

2. Governments must provide financial support for the development of the Newfoundland and Labrador aquaculture industry, including capital and working capital assistance.

Rejected.

3. The Government of Canada must give fish and seafood trade issues a much higher priority in its international trade relations. As priority trade initiatives, Canada must take action to eliminate the barriers imposed by the 20 percent EU tariff on Canadian shrimp, and the US Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Rejected