Minister responds to DFO�s new policy framework for Atlantic fishery

The federal government is taking a significant step in the right direction with the release of its new Atlantic fisheries policy framework, however it needs to tread carefully, says Trevor Taylor, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Yesterday afternoon, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) released the first phase of their new policy framework for the Atlantic fishery, known as Atlantic Fisheries Policy Review (AFPR). This review is in response to requests from the federal Auditor General, provincial governments, and others, to establish a clear mandate and objectives for DFO. Phase One of the review is a high level assessment of DFO�s current policies and Phase Two will establish priorities and operationalize elements from the policy framework.

Some of the concerns that were raised by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador as part of the AFPR consultation process included:

• access by non-Newfoundland and Labrador-based interests to fish resources adjacent to our province;
• the apparent erosion of the owner-operator and fleet separation policies; and,
• the lack of recognition of the fish processing sector in the policy framework.

Areas of the framework that the province is satisfied with include the work of DFO on an initiative to preserve the independence of Atlantic Canada�s inshore fleet. DFO�s inclusive approach in preparing the policy framework is especially positive. The province has been encouraged by the spirit of cooperation and looks forward to working with DFO, the fishing industry, and other industry stakeholders on the next phase of the framework.

However, several areas of concern exist. This includes DFO�s acceptance of the Independent Panel on Access Criteria (IPAC)�s recommendations concerning future resource access.

"We agree with DFO that conservation has to be the first priority of fisheries management decision-making," said Minister Taylor. "Where we have concerns is that their policy framework means that access to future resources will erode the adjacency principle. We believe that if these access criteria are followed that it may reduce our access to, and allocation of, fish resources that are adjacent to our province. This would be unacceptable."

"Newfoundland and Labrador will not, and let me repeat, not, stand for any erosion of our access and allocation to resources adjacent to our own province. We�re going to continue to monitor these resources to ensure that new access isn�t given to non-Newfoundland and Labrador interests," said the minister.

"This is a critical issue for the province. We�ve just received this framework and will need to study its implications for our fishing industry. A potential area of concern is stabilizing sharing arrangements, however, we need to consider this further before passing judgement."

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

2004 03 26                                        4:10 p.m.