Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods
November 29, 2016

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods:

Minister Crocker Makes Presentation on Fish Habitat

Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to present yesterday at the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, as part of the committee’s review of the federal Fisheries Act.

The Federal Government is reviewing amendments which were made to the act in 2012-13 by the previous administration. This review will determine what changes may be needed to protect fish habitat and ensure modern safeguards are in place.

Mr. Speaker, any possible changes will need to ensure there is a full understanding of potential impacts to our provincial aquaculture industry. I was pleased to outline the importance of aquaculture to our province and the need to ensure there is a collaborative approach with the Federal Government as we grow our aquaculture industry.

In The Way Forward, our vision is to double our salmon production and we must work collaboratively with our federal partners to ensure we achieve this goal by monitoring and evaluating aquaculture sites throughout the province.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that I was given the opportunity to provide the House of Commons Standing Committee with Newfoundland and Labrador’s thoughts on how the Federal Government should move forward with changes to the Fisheries Act.

Thank you.

- 30 -

2016 11 29                              1:55 p.m.