Fisheries and Aquaculture
January 22, 2015

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture:

Provincial Government Recognizes the Work of Coastal Management Area Committees

I rise in this Honorable House to recognize the important contributions of people working on coastal management area committees throughout the province. Earlier this week, these talented and dedicated individuals came together for a workshop in Corner Brook to share ideas and generate new initiatives, and their efforts are greatly appreciated.

Mr. Speaker, these valued volunteers have played a key role in advancing our government's Coastal and Ocean Management Strategy and Policy Framework from the time it was established in 2011. Our collaborative efforts fall under six main areas of activity: maintaining healthy marine environments; promoting social, cultural and economic sustainability; monitoring coastal land use; balancing competing needs and interests; managing coastal and marine infrastructure; and addressing climate change.

Our government is very pleased to partner with members of the five coastal management area committees located throughout the province. These individuals work with government representatives to increase knowledge and public engagement on issues that affect their local coasts. Examples of initiatives supported by these coastal management area committees include community beach clean ups, youth education projects, and World Oceans Day celebrations.

Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to extend special thanks to the Humber Arm Environmental Association, known regionally as ACAP Humber Arm, for hosting the coastal management area committee workshop I mentioned earlier in my statement. Led by Executive Director Sheldon Peddle, this group has spearheaded many important projects. They have supported our government's efforts to monitor and mitigate the impact of green crab. They have also created unique youth engagement initiatives like Trading Books for Boats, which gives junior high students an opportunity to take to the open water to learn about coastal and ocean ecosystems. This work is a fine example of how our coastal management area committees are using creative approaches to increase public awareness about the importance of ocean environments off our coasts.

Mr. Speaker, our government has made coastal management a priority because we appreciate the fact that the ocean environment is deeply linked to our province's culture, heritage, history, recreational enjoyment and economic prosperity. On behalf of the Provincial Government, I thank everyone playing a role in advancing the importance of marine stewardship, and look forward to continued collaboration in the future.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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2015 01 22                              1:45 p.m.