Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods
September 26, 2016

Ensuring Responsible and Sustainable Resource Management

Minister Crocker Addresses Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods, appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans this morning at the Sheraton Hotel, St John's, as part of the committee's study on the Northern Cod Stock.

As part of Minister Crocker’s remarks he focused on aligning federal and provincial fisheries policies to ensure Newfoundland and Labrador’s transition to a groundfish-based industry benefits fish harvesters, processors, workers and coastal communities.

"The importance of coordination of federal and provincial policies to support this transition cannot be overstated. It is important we rebuild this fishery in a sustainable manner as one that is economically viable and optimizes the value of the resource for all stakeholders."
- The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods

The Provincial Government is committed to working with industry to develop markets for a revitalized cod fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador. This includes working with all partners including the Federal Government to ensure allocation decisions are based primarily on adjacency and historical dependency and there is a focus on producing a high quality, in-demand product.

"We must move forward with a northern cod rebuilding plan that allows for the continued growth of the stock and also the rebuilding of the cod industry. Our industry must produce and sell a high value cod product, in order to compete with high quality producing international markets."
- Minister Crocker

The Provincial Government has already taken steps toward preparing the Newfoundland and Labrador seafood industry for the future by providing funding through the Seafood Innovation and Transition Program. As well, work continues to establish the Fisheries Advisory Council, which will be tasked with developing an action plan on cod revitalization.

The full text of Minister Crocker's address to the Standing Committee is available online here: www.gov.nl.ca/releases/speeches/2016/0926s01.aspx

QUICK FACTS

• Minister Crocker appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.
• Minister Crocker emphasized the importance of aligning federal and provincial fisheries policies for the benefit of Newfoundland and Labrador's fish harvesters, processors, workers and coastal communities
• The Provincial Government is committed to working with industry to develop markets for a revitalized cod fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Media contact:

Vanessa Colman-Sadd Director of Communications Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods 709-729-3733, 682-6593 vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca

2016 09 26            10:00 a.m.