Funding Renewed for Fisheries Stewardship Program

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has provided funding of $50,000 to the Fisheries Stewardship Program which is managed by the Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW). The program was funded through the provincial Cod Recovery Strategy. The goal of the program is to have fish harvesters work together to share knowledge and develop the tools necessary to adopt sustainable harvesting practices.

“Our government is very committed to supporting the rebuilding and sustainability of the province’s fishing industry,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “This project is helping to implement a conservation ethic throughout the industry. Supporting the program accomplishes our goal of engaging fish harvesters in stewardship activities while providing them with the opportunity to develop and implement integrated fisheries management approaches across the industry.”

The Fisheries Stewardship Program was initiated by the FFAW in 2005 through a pilot project in Placentia Bay to promote sustainable fisheries management through consultations with fish harvesters. The success of this project prompted an expansion to implement the program throughout the province in 2008.

“Fish harvesters have actively participated in our Fisheries Stewardship Program and several important initiatives have begun as a result of the program,” said FFAW Secretary-Treasurer David Decker. “The program has provided a forum by which fish harvesters, scientists, managers and researchers can develop and implement initiatives that benefit our fisheries resources, the fishing industry and our coastal communities. It takes the approach that those closest to a resource – fish harvesters – have the most intimate knowledge of the resource and therefore should play a lead role in determining best conservation, protection and management practices for that resource. We are pleased that the province has decided to continue to support this important initiative.”

The program involves consultations with fish harvesters to provide feedback on the conservation of ocean resources, health of the marine ecosystem and best practices for stewardship initiatives. It serves as a vehicle for information exchange and conflict resolution at a community level. FFAW stewardship advocates facilitate the program throughout the province.

“Our government continues to be committed to the fishing industry in the province,” said Minister Jackman. “We look forward to working with the industry and its various stakeholders on these important matters.”

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2011 04 27             9:50 a.m.