Fisheries and Aquaculture
October 16, 2009Atlantic Fisheries
Ministers Agree to Collaborate on Sustainability
The Atlantic Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Ministers (ACFAM) today reaffirmed the importance of a
coordinated response to the growing sustainability
trends in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The
meeting was co-chaired by the Honourable Gail Shea,
federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the
Honourable Neil LeClair, Prince Edward Island Minister
of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development.
In addition to Ministers Shea and LeClair, ministers
responsible for fisheries and aquaculture in New
Brunswick (Rick Doucet and Ronald Ouellette),
Newfoundland and Labrador (Tom Hedderson), Nova Scotia
(Sterling Belliveau), Nunavut (Daniel Shewchuk), and the
Parliamentary Assistant from Quebec (George Mamelonet)
attended the ACFAM meeting.
"Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Nunavut produce some of
the most environmentally sustainable seafood in the
world, both from fisheries and aquaculture operations.
The challenge we face is ensuring that consumers are
aware of our achievements and that they have accurate
information about the seafood they are buying." said
Minister Shea. "The bluefin tuna fishery in Atlantic
Canada is just one example of a highly sustainable
fishery that warrants positive attention."
As part of the dialogue on sustainability issues,
ministers heard from seafood sustainability expert Peter
Redmayne, President of the Sea Fare Group and Sea Fare
Expositions. Mr. Redmayne provided an overview of the
origins of the sustainable seafood movement and the
potential next steps for government. He also discussed
the challenges and benefits of the various
eco-certification and traceability options available to
the sector.
"Ministers had an opportunity to review changes in
consumer trends that are affecting the industry," said
Minister LeClair. "We will continue to work closely with
fishers, processors and live shippers to ensure we
continue to meet the needs of the marketplace."
Ministers also discussed fish health and management
of aquaculture in Canada. They received an update on the
Canadian Shellfish and Sanitation Program, a progress
report on federal-provincial efforts to support the
Atlantic lobster industry through the economic downturn.
The economic value of the sealing industry is
significant for Canada�s coastal communities.
Ministers reaffirmed their support for the federal
government�s World Trade Organization (WTO) challenge of
the EU seal ban and committed to continue working
together to keep markets open and develop new markets
for Canadian seal products. In addition, ministers
considered the growth of the grey seal population and
its impact on various fisheries. The ministers agreed to
create a task group on seals to focus on management and
market development.
"Fisheries and aquaculture continue to be a
significant contributor to Canada�s economy," said
Minister Shea. "While the industry faces a number of
challenges, the opportunities for sustainable growth are
very encouraging. I look forward to continuing to work
with our partners in the provinces and territories and
in the industry to ensure the viability of Canada�s
fisheries and marine and freshwater aquaculture sectors
for generations to come."
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