Fisheries Ministers Focus on Economic Prosperity in Atlantic Canada

Federal, provincial and territorial fisheries and aquaculture ministers concluded the meeting of the Atlantic Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers today in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The meeting was jointly chaired by the Honourable Keith Ashfield, federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and Sterling Belliveau, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture for Nova Scotia.

“The world’s fishing industry is in transition: market dynamics, resource fluctuations and environmental changes are all having a profound effect. We can face these challenges and help Canada’s fishery make an even greater contributor to the economy,” said Minister Ashfield. “I am pleased to work with my colleagues to support Atlantic Canada’s fishing and aquaculture industry.”

“The Government of Nova Scotia, as part of the Atlantic Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers, is pleased to participate in this collaborative process that addresses the sustainability and economic viability of our fishery allowing our coastal communities to continue to make a living from this important industry,” said Minister Belliveau.

Making Progress
At the meeting, ministers discussed opportunities for growth in the aquaculture industry. Canada’s aquaculture industry is increasingly important to the economy, now contributing more than $1 billion to the national economy and accounting for close to 30 per cent of Canada’s fish and seafood production. Ministers recognized that the key to sustainability of the aquaculture industry lies in ensuring that aquaculture is managed in a manner that maintains healthy ecosystems. To do so, federal, provincial and territorial partners continued to discuss the development of a collaborative policy and regulatory regime to support industry development and reaffirmed their desire to consult with industry, First Nations, Aboriginal groups, and other stakeholders on their fish health management needs.

Ministers agreed to continue to collaborate on market access challenges for the Canadian seal industry and to work together with industry to ensure open markets for Canadian seal products.

Ministers also discussed opportunities and challenges faced by the lobster industry and agreed to collaborate in working with the industry in addressing these challenges.

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2012 03 09                                  4:45 p.m.