More, not less, federal spending on marine fisheries science is needed: Minister

Having now examined the details of the federal budget as it pertains to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is very concerned with plans for reduced investments in marine fisheries science.

Since the February 23, 2005 announcement of the federal budget, there has been considerable public confusion regarding DFO�s commitment to fisheries scientific research. It appears that a scientific vessel based in Newfoundland and Labrador will be removed from service and it is unclear if its important work will be continued.

"We are very concerned that Finance Minister Goodale�s budget announcement is the final decision. DFO must have sufficient resources to conduct surveys of multi-species and single-species fish stocks," says Trevor Taylor, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "We are certainly encouraged by the federal government taking small steps towards addressing the distressing levels of overfishing outside the 200-mile limit. But this must not come at a cost of less scientific data, especially after such deep cuts to DFO�s science budget in the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s.

"We appreciate the need to balance spending priorities. We are going through our own budget process and understand the importance of strengthening and modernizing programs and services, while eliminating or reducing those of lesser importance. But the federal government has been running budget surpluses since 1997-98. How can it justify the further erosion of DFO science during a time when Canada is trying to rebuild important groundfish stocks, improve shellfish management, and develop new fisheries?"

The minister has written to his federal counterpart, Fisheries and Oceans Minister Geoff Regan, to seek further clarification on the federal budget decisions as they relate to fisheries and ecosystems science in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region.

Media contact: Alex Marland, Communications (709) 729-3733, 690-6047

2005 03 09                       11:35 a.m.