Minister Comments on Fisheries and Aquaculture Meetings in Nunavut

Recent meetings of the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (CCFAM) and the Atlantic Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (ACFAM) provided opportunities for collaboration on a variety of fisheries issues. The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, attended the meetings on September 1 and September 2 in Iqaluit, Nunavut, to discuss a range of topics that influence the competitiveness, stability, and sustainability of Newfoundland and Labrador’s fishing and aquaculture industries.

“I was very pleased to have this opportunity to share information with my counterparts and motivate discussion around key issues,” said Minister Jackman. “It was encouraging to see there was common ground on topics that included gaining access to foreign markets, addressing the challenges presented by invasive species, and enhancing resource management practices. I hope to build on the work from these meetings and continue working cooperatively with other Canadian jurisdictions on matters that affect the future of fishing and aquaculture in Canada.”

Minister Jackman noted one of the key achievements of the meetings was the approval in principle of a National Framework for Canada’s Network of Marine Protected Areas. The framework was developed collaboratively over several years by provinces, territories, Aboriginal groups, industry organizations and environmental advocates with the purpose of protecting and conserving Canada’s oceans and coastal areas.

“The Provincial Government had much to contribute with respect to developing the framework, as Newfoundland and Labrador was the first jurisdiction in Canada to implement a Coastal and Oceans Strategy,” noted Minister Jackman. “I am pleased to see that other jurisdictions share our commitment to protecting coastal and ocean resources, and I look forward to seeing what the new framework can achieve.”

Other key discussion items included European and Asian trade barriers, the impact of species such as sea lice and green crab, and seafood quality and safety issues. Collaboration on these and other issues will continue at the next meeting of the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers, which will be chaired by British Columbia and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

CCFAM was formed in September of 1999 to enhance collaboration between the Federal Government and Provincial and Territorial Governments on issues related to fisheries and aquaculture. ACFAM has a similar goal, but comprises exclusively fisheries and aquaculture ministers from Newfoundland and Labrador, the Maritime Provinces, Quebec, Nunavut and the Federal Government.

- 30 -

Media contact:

2011 09 02                                         1:00 p.m.