NLIS 3
April 5, 2005
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)
Minister Taylor
updates federal minister about fisheries and aquaculture issues
Trevor Taylor, Minister of Fisheries
and Aquaculture, discussed a range of pressing issues with the
federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Geoff Regan, in Ottawa on
Tuesday.
"Since our first meeting in January 2004, we have tried to regularly
discuss ways to better cooperate on a number of fisheries and
aquaculture issues. It is important that Minister Regan understands
our position on key matters," said Minister Taylor. "For example, I
conveyed the need to encourage an orderly start to our fisheries. I
requested the timely release of 2005 fisheries management plans,
along with the associated Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and
management measures. An early start to our fishery is in everybody�s
best interests, this year in particular."
The two ministers also discussed a number of aquaculture issues.
This included the need for governments to work together to address
challenges facing the aquaculture industry, for progress on the
National Aquaculture Framework Agreement and the National Aquatic
Animal Health Program, and the need to develop a business risk
management framework for the aquaculture sector.
The ministers reviewed the challenges facing Harbour Breton, where
residents are adjusting to the closure of the Fisheries Products
International plant. They discussed challenges facing communities in
similar situations and adjustment measures for fish plant workers.
Minister Taylor impressed the need to identify and implement
long-term solutions to the local effects of global changes in the
fishing and processing industries.
Minister Taylor also reiterated concerns about fisheries management
on the Nose and Tail of the Grand Banks, and discussed the upcoming
international Conference on the Governance of High Seas Fisheries
and the United Nations Fish Agreement: Moving from Words to Action.
The conference will be hosted by the federal Department of Fisheries
and Oceans in St. John�s from May 1 to 5, 2005.
"We had a frank exchange of views," said Minister Taylor. "I
strongly emphasized to Minister Regan the importance of fixing the
problem of foreign overfishing. I assured him that Newfoundland and
Labrador�s position on custodial management is unchanged. Given the
repeated failure of diplomacy, custodial management remains the best
solution to dealing with problems associated with foreign vessels
purposely catching moratoria species."
"The conference�s key objective is to produce an action plan. That
strategy will outline specific commitments for implementation by
participating nations. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians expect this
objective to be fulfilled, and we need the support of the federal
minister to make that happen. Our message is clear. No more words,
we need action."
Minister Taylor is encouraged by such communication and will
continue to keep Minister Regan informed about issues of importance
to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Media contact: Alex Marland, Communications, (709) 729-3733,
690-6047
2005 04 05
3:05 p.m. |