Fisheries and Aquaculture
October 16, 2009Ministers Commit to
Maximizing Canada�s Aquatic Potential
Federal, provincial and territorial fisheries and
aquacultures ministers concluded the annual meeting of
the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Ministers (CCFAM) today with a renewed commitment to
work together to maximize both the economic potential
and the ecosystem health associated with Canada�s
diverse aquatic resources.
The meeting was co-chaired by the Honourable Neil
LeClair, Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural
Development for Prince Edward Island, and the Honourable
Gail Shea, federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.
"Canada�s aquatic resources are an intrinsic part of
Canada�s economy which presents both challenges and
opportunities in the current economic climate," said
Minister Shea. "My colleagues and I recognize that one
of the keys to unlocking the full potential value of
these resources is a long-term vision for the industry
to maximize the potential of our aquatic resources while
maintaining sustainable and productive fisheries."
"This meeting provided an important opportunity for
ministers to meet and discuss the many issues facing the
fishery and to lay the groundwork for industry to meet
emerging trends in fisheries and aquaculture, including
eco-certification and traceability that are having a
huge impact in the industry across Canada," said
Minister LeClair. "More importantly, it was a chance to
identify actions that must be undertaken in the years to
come, in order to realize enhanced success and
maximizing value in the industry."
Discussions were informed by presentations from
Iceland University economics professor Ragnar Arnasson
and economic consultant Peter Whiting, president of
Outspan Group Inc. Both speakers provided expertise and
advice on quantifying and maximizing the potential of
Canada�s fisheries and aquaculture industries.
In recognition of its increased contribution to the
Canadian seafood sector, ministers established a new
governance structure for federal-provincial-territorial
cooperation on marine and freshwater aquaculture.
Ministers committed to explore how to best ensure
industry has access to best practices in fish health
management. They also directed their officials to
continue their focus on addressing international
requirements for seafood certification and traceability.
"The trade regime has become more complex and
challenging and is moving at a quicker pace, involving
bilateral, regional and multilateral negotiations. This
meeting was an important opportunity to discuss our
progress in the areas of aquaculture, eco-certification
and traceability, and to identify opportunities to work
together to support our industry as they make the
necessary long-term shifts to adjust to these new
realities," said Minister Shea.
The meeting was also an occasion to mark the 10th
anniversary of the Agreement on Interjurisdictional
Cooperation with respect to Fisheries and Aquaculture,
which was signed by federal, provincial and territorial
governments in 1999. Ministers acknowledged the
agreement�s role in building and maintaining
multilateral collaboration on national issues over the
past decade. The ministers agreed to a review of the
agreement with the goal of improving
interjurisdictional cooperation into the future.
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