Fisheries and Aquaculture
February 29, 2016
Standing Together for the Northern Shrimp Fishery
All-party Committee on Northern Shrimp Allocations to Reconvene
Newfoundland and Labrador's All-Party Committee on Northern Shrimp Allocations will reconvene to discuss next steps in response to a new science report from the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) that indicates a significant reduction in the Northern shrimp stock in SFA 6 over the past year. Based on these reports, the Federal Government's "last in, first out" (LIFO) policy relating to Northern Shrimp allocation decisions will continue to have a devastating effect on the province's economy, particularly in rural regions.
"I have reconvened the all-party committee as this is an urgent matter that demands a unified provincial voice. There is a general consensus throughout Newfoundland and Labrador that decisions regarding shrimp allocations should reflect the principle of adjacency and respect the value of both the inshore and offshore fleet sectors; LIFO does neither of these things. At our first meeting, provincial officials will bring committee members up to speed on the implications of the latest science so we can form our approach to re-engaging the Federal Government on this critical issue."
- The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Membership on the committee has been revised as a result of the recent provincial election and now includes:
- The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and MHA for Carbonear - Trinity-Bay de Verde (Chair)
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development and MHA for St. Barbe - L'Anse aux Meadows
- Pam Parsons, MHA for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave
- Derrick Bragg MHA for Fogo Island - Cape Freels
- Kevin Parsons, MHA for Cape St. Francis
- Keith Hutchings, MHA for Ferryland
- Lorraine Michael, Parliamentary Leader of the New Democratic Party and MHA for St. John's East - Quidi Vidi
Continued application of the LIFO policy, in the face of a declining shrimp resource, would have major negative impacts on many rural communities.
"We look forward to working with our colleagues to pressure the Federal Government to develop fishery policy that recognizes responsible fishery management while supporting the economic benefits of both the inshore and offshore shrimp fishery. DFO' s fishery science requires increased investment which must begin immediately. No fishery science data can be ignored; we must manage our fishery resources to ensure maximum opportunity for our coastal communities for today and generations to come. We must ensure that debate on this issue is fully informed in Ottawa and move beyond the current LIFO policy to a direction that ensures that both industries can continue to operate within a balanced and well researched fishery management plan."
- Paul Davis, Leader of the Official Opposition and MHA for Topsail - Paradise
The all-party committee will be meeting today (Monday, February 29) to discuss next steps in response to this serious matter impacting people and communities in all regions of the province.
"A dramatic downturn in the inshore shrimp fishery would be devastating to fish harvesters, plant workers and rural communities. The first step in lessening the impact is to abolish the LIFO policy. I look forward to working with my colleagues to hold the Federal Government to their election commitment to re-examine the policy."
- Lorraine Michael, Parliamentary Leader of the New Democratic Party and MHA for St. John's East - Quidi Vidi
A socio-economic review of the inshore shrimp sector was presented to DFO last year. The review provides compelling information to illustrate the devastating impacts of LIFO policy to Newfoundland and Labrador's economy and its communities. The report is available at: www.fishaq.gov.nl.ca/publications/pdf/Socio_Economic_Impacts_of_Shrimp_Quota_Reductions.pdf
QUICK FACTS
- The All-Party Committee on Northern Shrimp Allocations will reconvene in response to a new science report that indicates a significant reduction in the Northern shrimp stock in SFA 6 over the past year.
- Based on these reports, the Federal Government's LIFO policy relating to Northern Shrimp allocation decisions will have a devastating effect on the provincial inshore shrimp sector.
- The all-party committee will be meeting today to discuss next steps in response to this serious matter impacting people and communities in all regions of the province.
- A socio-economic review of the inshore shrimp sector that illustrates the devastating impacts of LIFO policy on Newfoundland and Labrador's economy and its communities is available at: www.fishaq.gov.nl.ca/publications/pdf/Socio_Economic_Impacts_of_Shrimp_Quota_Reductions.pdf
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Media contacts:
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Roger Scaplen Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 697-5267 rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca |
Heather MacLean Director of Communications Office of the Official Opposition 709-729 6105, 725-5204 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca |
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Jean Graham Director of Communications New Democratic Party Caucus Office 709-729-2137, 709-693-9172 jeangraham@gov.nl.ca |
2016 02 29 4:00 p.m.