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Fisheries and Aquaculture
February 20, 2014

A More Economically Viable Fishery for the Future

Lobster Fishery Sustainability Program a Success

The lobster sustainability program first announced in November 2011 will conclude on March 31, 2014.

“This program is a success because of the tremendous collaboration and effort that went into reducing capacity and making the lobster fishery more viable and prosperous for fishermen. Our government is pleased to invest in the fishery, and I am proud of what we have accomplished with our provincial and fishing industry partners.”
- The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

The program, designed to encourage the future long-term sustainability and economic prosperity of the lobster fishery, achieved its objective to increase incomes by significantly reducing lobster fishing capacity in Fortune Bay, the southwest coast and the west coast (lobster fishing areas 11 to 14B) through voluntary lobster trap reductions and lobster licence retirements. The program has permanently removed 105,000 lobster traps from the fishery (36 per cent reduction) as well as 266 lobster licences (24 per cent reduction).

“The Provincial Government was pleased to collaborate with the Federal Government and FFAW on this important initiative to achieve better outcomes for participants in the provincial lobster industry. This unique arrangement has improved the viability of lobster fishing enterprises for those who wish to be long-term participants, which in turn benefits rural areas of the province that are reliant on this resource.”
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture

Fisheries and Oceans Canada Minister Gail Shea, Newfoundland and Labrador Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Hutchings, and Fish Food and Allied Workers (FFAW-Unifor) President Earle McCurdy today said that they are very pleased with the results of program and the direct benefits for lobster harvesters who remain in the fishery.

“Net incomes of those who remain in the fishery in the areas covered by the licence retirement program will be significantly improved as a direct result of the program. There is now a better balance between the number of participants in the fishery and the available resource, and this has been achieved without the accumulation of debt that would threaten the financial stability of fishing enterprises. We appreciate the financial support provided by both federal and provincial governments in achieving a very successful outcome for the fish harvesters in the affected areas.”
- Earle McCurdy, President of FFAW-Unifor

Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries, and building a vibrant economy.

QUICK FACTS

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Media contacts:
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
Jason Card
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 699-0470
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca
Media Inquiries
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Newfoundland and Labrador Region
709-772-3375
media.nl@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Courtney Pelley
Communications Officer
FFAW-Unifor
Newfoundland and Labrador
709-576-7276
cpelley@ffaw.net

2014 02 20                                       12:25 p.m.

 
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