The Provincial Government continues to enhance its partnership with Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL) in the development, management and analysis of fisheries and aquaculture policy.

The Honourable Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today announced a contribution of $10,000 to the MNL Fisheries Committee so that it can continue to assist the province by providing advice on provincial fisheries policy, including the Fishing Industry Renewal (FIR) Strategy. The province will assist the fisheries committee by providing fisheries-related analyses of MNL�s policy options.

"This continued partnership between my department and MNL bodes extremely well for both organizations, as well as the fishing industry stakeholders who are the beneficiaries of sound fisheries policy," said Minister Rideout. "It is crucial that our efforts as a government continue to be inclusive of community concerns and priorities, and our partnership with MNL provides yet another avenue whereby these views can be brought forward."

The funding will assist the committee in facilitating meetings with fishing industry representatives throughout the province for the purposes of developing options for policy positions and advocacy activities. Officials from the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture will meet regularly with the committee to provide advice on these options, and to receive feedback on the current fisheries activities in government.

During the coming year, the Fishing Industry Renewal Strategy will be an important topic for the MNL Fisheries Committee, as the Provincial Government continues to implement its elements of the initiative. Other areas of focus will include international fisheries management, aquaculture, the sealing industry, coastal management, trade and research and development.

"The fishery is an essential part of the rural fabric of our province," said MNL President Graham Letto. "Since 2005, MNL has taken a proactive role in the rebuilding of the fishery by establishing a fisheries committee which is comprised of representatives from the fishing industry throughout the province. MNL applauds the minister and his department for their financial and moral support as we work together to provide rural communities with a sustainable future."

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has been providing support to the MNL Fisheries Committee for three years.

"Both my department and MNL share mutual objectives when it comes to our fishery," said Minister Rideout. "These include fishing industry viability and community and regional sustainability. We look forward to furthering our relationship in the coming year, as we work to renew the province�s fishing industry, and to address other challenges and opportunities within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors."

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