January 31, 1996
(Natural Resources)
Status of the community based watershed experiments for inland fisheries
Dr. Rex Gibbons, Minster of Natural Resources, stated today that he would like to
clarify the status of the community based watershed experiments for inland fisheries. The
minister feels that there has been some misunderstanding on government's intention on
management of inland fish resources. The minister elaborated that while the government is
anxious to involve communities and various stakeholders in managing the inland fisheries
resources including salmon, it does not intend to transfer ownership of these resources to
individuals or communities. Government recognizes that the decisions on management of our
inland fisheries resources will be more relevant if they are made with the involvement of
local communities, various interest groups and users because they bring in a wealth of
local knowledge and dedication. Government recognizes that these are provincial resources
and must remain accessible to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. He emphasized that
there is no intention of privatizing our salmon rivers as has been suggested by some
private individuals in Western Newfoundland recently.
Government has approved two trials for involvement of the communities in the Indian Bay
and St. George's areas which require the federal and provincial governments to facilitate
the involvement of these communities in managing the inland fisheries resources. In doing
so, government has insisted that the provision of equal access and conservation must
remain paramount in any management planning. Government has also insisted that such
organizations must remain open for involvement of any resident who wishes to become a
member of the organization.
Contact: Jim Hancock, (709) 729-2817; or Anna Buffinga, (709) 729-3750
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