NLIS 5
March 8, 2004
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)

 

Minister supports federal collaboration on marine security initiatives

Trevor Taylor, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, is pleased with the Canadian government�s intention to increase its emphasis on marine security and fisheries enforcement. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the Department of National Defence (DND) announced plans on Friday to improve sea patrol information sharing and to increase fisheries patrolling on the Nose and Tail of the Grand Banks.

"Increased cooperation between DFO and DND is welcome news in the battle to control our resources outside the 200-mile limit, " said Minister Taylor. "The world needs to understand that Canada is committed to enforcing the conservation and management of our fish resources. Foreign vessels out on the water need to see action, not just words."

Added Minister Taylor: "This improved enforcement program is one way to improve the level of deterrence for fishing violations on the Grand Banks. It is a step in the right direction and there is still more work to be done."

Escalating non-compliance by foreign fishing fleets in the NAFO Regulatory Area (NRA) in recent years points to the need for more surveillance in the offshore. Foreign overfishing of straddling fish stocks and non-compliance by foreign nations with Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) fisheries conservation and management measures remain concerns for Canada.

"Foreign vessels are still directing on moratoria species, exceeding quotas and using illegal gear. In the face of the continued ineffectiveness of the various international regimes, the federal government should propose the need for Canadian custodial management of straddling stocks," said Minister Taylor.

Media contact: Alex Marland, Communications, (709) 729-3733

2004 03 08                      2:25 p.m.


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