Input Being Sought On Coastal and Oceans Management Strategy

The Provincial Government is seeking input into the development of a strategy for coastal and oceans management in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation, today released a discussion paper for the consultations and encouraged feedback from key stakeholders and the public.

"We look forward to hearing from the various groups and members of the public who have an interest in oceans policy," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "As our marine industries grow and develop, it will be critical that all stakeholders work together to ensure we are using our resources in the most effective manner possible for all user groups. This process will help ensure that we can accomplish that goal through our oceans strategy and policy framework."

The strategy will formalize the vision, goals and principles that will guide how coastal and ocean resources are developed in a sustainable manner. The discussion paper will be directly distributed to stakeholder groups in a variety of industries and sectors. Members of the public and ocean industry stakeholders can provide written feedback on the discussion paper and may contact the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture for additional information.

"Our oceans play a very valuable role in our ecosystems and it is important that we employ an appropriate policy framework for their management," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "Our goal is sustainability and ensuring we use our resources effectively, and consultations will certainly provide valuable input on oceans management from all stakeholders."

Submissions can be provided by mail, fax or e-mail. For more information, interested individuals or groups should contact the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture at the following:

Division of Sustainable Fisheries and Oceans Policy
Petten Building, 30 Strawberry Marsh Road
P.O. Box 8700
St. John's, NL
A1B 4J6
Phone: 709-729-1140
Fax: 709-729-6082
coastsandocean@gov.nl.ca 

"Oceans management is an important area of public policy for our government," said Minister Jackman. "This builds on work that has been done previously by the Williams Government and we look forward to hearing what members of the public and stakeholders have to say on these matters. It is vital that issues are identified throughout the province and that all interested parties have an opportunity for input into the process of developing this oceans strategy and policy framework."

Copies of the discussion document may be found at www.gov.nl.ca/fishaq/publications/OceansDiscussionPaper.pdf 

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2010 07 07                                                   12:20 p.m.