Fisheries and Aquaculture
November 9, 2010
Ministers Move Forward
in St. John's to Develop Canada's Fisheries Potential
Federal, provincial and territorial
fisheries and aquaculture ministers concluded the ministers' meeting of
the Canadian and Atlantic Councils of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Ministers (CCFAM and ACFAM) today in St. John's. The CCFAM Ministers
agreed to focus on collaboration in four key areas: aquaculture; trade;
seafood traceability; and aquatic invasive species. ACFAM Ministers
agreed to continue to work collaboratively on these same issues as well
as on improved seal industry marketing and development, and
implementation of the lobster support package, from an industry
viability perspective.
The meeting was jointly chaired by the
Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture for
Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Gail Shea, federal
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.
"My colleagues and I have committed to
ensuring that Canada maximizes its fisheries potential," said Minister
Shea. "I am pleased to be working collaboratively with the provinces and
territories on innovative projects that are key to encouraging the
development prospects of our coastal communities."
"It was a pleasure to host my colleagues
from across the country here in St. John's," said Minister Jackman. "It
is important that we have an opportunity to discuss mutually relevant
issues, particularly during such a challenging time for the fishing
industry. I am sure that our discussions will be beneficial to our
respective jurisdictions. We addressed some key issues related to
aquaculture development and I am particularly pleased to see that my
colleagues agreed to continue their support of the sealing industry and
lobster fishery."
Progress
At the meeting, ministers endorsed the National Aquaculture Strategic
Action Plan Initiative (NASAPI), which provides a framework for federal,
provincial, and territorial governments to work cooperatively to develop
Canada's potential in the aquaculture sector in an
environmentally-responsible way and in a manner that respects the
jurisdiction of both orders of government. Ministers recognize the
important economic benefits this industry provides to coastal
communities. Ministers committed to closer collaboration across
jurisdictions, in order to support environmentally responsible growth of
the aquaculture industry.
Ministers also directed their officials
to continue their important work on addressing international
requirements for seafood certification and traceability.
"Our government has made progress on
trade and traceability issues," said Minister Shea. "Funds committed in
the Government of Canada Budget 2010 will allow us to continue to issue
catch certificates to Canadian companies seeking to export fish and
seafood products to the European Union and other important markets. Our
catch certificates attest that Canadian seafood products come from a
properly licensed, regulated and reported fishery that is regularly
monitored and audited."
Presenters at the CCFAM meeting included
Michael Gardner, President of Gardner-Pinfold Consulting, and Dr. Hugh
MacIsaac, Chairman of the Canadian Aquatic Invasive Species Network and
professor at the University of Windsor. Mr. Gardner provided an analysis
of the various approaches to fisheries management, including their
benefits and challenges. Dr. MacIsaac gave insight into the ecological
and economic threats posed by aquatic invasive species, and what
governments can do to prevent these species from spreading.
Ministers also discussed ACFAM issues of
importance for Atlantic Canada, Québec and Nunavut. At the previous
ACFAM meeting in February 2010, ministers increased coordination among
governments on programs to assist the lobster fishery. Today, they
received an update on these federal and provincial programs. Ministers
committed to continue to help this fishery and ensure its long-term
sustainability and economic prosperity.
ACFAM ministers discussed a range of
activities underway that will contribute to a sustainable seal industry,
including market development, broadening the array of seal products
available for market, engaging the sealing industry, and strengthening
its professionalization.
"The Government of Canada is committed to
the long-term sustainability and profitability of a humane seal harvest
so that it continues to provide economic opportunities for our remote
coastal and Northern communities" said Minister Shea. "I am very pleased
to report that we are making concrete progress on this matter."
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Photo 1: The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture for Newfoundland and Labrador and the Honourable Gail Shea, federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.
Photo 2:
Provincial, territorial and federal fisheries ministers and
representatives.
Media contacts:
Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-990-7537 |
Lori
Lee Oates
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 690-8403
oatesll@gov.nl.ca
|
Nancy Bishay
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474 |
|
2010 11 09
5:10 p.m.
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