Province encouraged by Prime Minister�s diplomacy on foreign overfishing

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is encouraged by recent international efforts undertaken by Prime Minister Paul Martin towards addressing foreign overfishing, says Premier Danny Williams.

"In recent weeks, the news media have reported that Prime Minister Martin has been raising the issue of foreign overfishing on the international stage," said Premier Williams. "The Prime Minister reportedly broached the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin and with French President Jacques Chirac. Today, the Canadian Press is reporting that, at the Prime Minister�s urging, Canadian and European Union officials are poised to engage in an international conference on overfishing."

"The issue of foreign overfishing was on my top five list when I first met with Prime Minister Martin and I want to thank him for taking steps towards addressing this at the international level. Newfoundland and Labrador unequivocally supports meaningful international dialogue on overfishing," said Premier Williams. "It is pressing that we see drastic improvement in vessels following conservation measures on the high seas. The fishing of banned species outside the 200-mile limit tripled from 2002 to 2003 and, if these fish are to have any chance of recovery, the international community must act quickly."

Trevor Taylor, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, echoed the Premier�s optimism. "For the last few months, I have been saying publicly that protecting weakened fish stocks is a matter that must have the explicit attention of the Prime Minister�s Office," said Minister Taylor. "This is a resource and environmental issue of international concern that can only be solved at the top levels of national governance. As with Premier Williams, I support this initiative, and wish to thank the Prime Minister for listening to our concerns.

"While I recognize that the date and location of this conference, let alone specific details, are not yet available, we look forward to Newfoundland and Labrador having a meaningful role. We also believe that key non-fishing members of the European Union, such as Germany, Belgium, and continental France, must be involved so that pressure can be exerted on offending EU member states."

The province has not been officially informed about the proposed conference. News reports today indicate that invitees would include nations such as the United States, China, Japan, and Russia.

Media contact:

Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960
Alex Marland, Fisheries and Aquaculture, (709) 729-3733

2004 10 21                                  5:20 p.m.