NLIS 3
April 5, 2005
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)
 

Minister Taylor updates federal minister about fisheries and aquaculture issues

Trevor Taylor, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, discussed a range of pressing issues with the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Geoff Regan, in Ottawa on Tuesday.

"Since our first meeting in January 2004, we have tried to regularly discuss ways to better cooperate on a number of fisheries and aquaculture issues. It is important that Minister Regan understands our position on key matters," said Minister Taylor. "For example, I conveyed the need to encourage an orderly start to our fisheries. I requested the timely release of 2005 fisheries management plans, along with the associated Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and management measures. An early start to our fishery is in everybody�s best interests, this year in particular."

The two ministers also discussed a number of aquaculture issues. This included the need for governments to work together to address challenges facing the aquaculture industry, for progress on the National Aquaculture Framework Agreement and the National Aquatic Animal Health Program, and the need to develop a business risk management framework for the aquaculture sector.

The ministers reviewed the challenges facing Harbour Breton, where residents are adjusting to the closure of the Fisheries Products International plant. They discussed challenges facing communities in similar situations and adjustment measures for fish plant workers. Minister Taylor impressed the need to identify and implement long-term solutions to the local effects of global changes in the fishing and processing industries.

Minister Taylor also reiterated concerns about fisheries management on the Nose and Tail of the Grand Banks, and discussed the upcoming international Conference on the Governance of High Seas Fisheries and the United Nations Fish Agreement: Moving from Words to Action. The conference will be hosted by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans in St. John�s from May 1 to 5, 2005.

"We had a frank exchange of views," said Minister Taylor. "I strongly emphasized to Minister Regan the importance of fixing the problem of foreign overfishing. I assured him that Newfoundland and Labrador�s position on custodial management is unchanged. Given the repeated failure of diplomacy, custodial management remains the best solution to dealing with problems associated with foreign vessels purposely catching moratoria species."

"The conference�s key objective is to produce an action plan. That strategy will outline specific commitments for implementation by participating nations. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians expect this objective to be fulfilled, and we need the support of the federal minister to make that happen. Our message is clear. No more words, we need action."

Minister Taylor is encouraged by such communication and will continue to keep Minister Regan informed about issues of importance to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Media contact: Alex Marland, Communications, (709) 729-3733, 690-6047

2005 04 05                         3:05 p.m.


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