Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (CCFAM)

Winnipeg, MB – Integrated Watershed Planning and   Management was the theme of the day-long meeting of the Canadian Council of   Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (CCFAM) in Winnipeg today. The meeting was   co-chaired by the Honourable Loyola Hearn, federal Minister of Fisheries and   Oceans, and the Honourable Christine Melnick, Manitoba Minister of Water   Stewardship.

Ministers heard from experts in the area of integrated watershed planning.   They agreed that all jurisdictions have a role to play in sustainable fisheries   and aquatic habitat management along with Aboriginal groups, a broad range of   stakeholders and the public.

“Today’s meeting was a reminder of how important it is that we work together   to protect and preserve our water resources," said Minister Hearn. “Our   government understands that water is central to the health and well being of all   Canadians, our environment and our economy. That is why the Speech from the   Throne reiterated our commitment to continue taking action and working with   others to make real and continuous progress on water-related   issues."

"Watershed planning processes are strengthened through   partnerships among local communities, producers, businesses and all levels of   government," said Minister Melnick. “I am delighted that fisheries ministers   across the country recognize the great potential for improved aquatic habitat   health via locally-driven collaborative approaches."

Ministers also looked at the fishery through a lens of economic viability.   Oceans-to-plate is about focussing on the needs of the market and enhancing   value — rather than volume — for all players up and down the seafood value   chain. Eco-labelling is one component of that strategy and a topic of lengthy   discussion today. With over 80% of Canadian seafood being exported and consumers   increasingly aware of sustainability issues and food safety, eco-labelling is   emerging as a priority for all levels of government. Ministers established a new   task group on eco-labelling to ensure governments are ready to better support   industry in the certification process and to ensure a consistent approach across   Canada.

“Canada has a very good story to tell when it comes to how we partner with   the provinces and territories to manage our fisheries resources,” said Minister   Hearn. “We now need to better organize ourselves to tell that story to the   world.”

Ministers tasked officials to continue to work together to protect species at   risk and reduce the significant threat of aquatic invasive species on fisheries   and aquaculture resources, and to protect the long-term health of Canada’s three   oceans. Ministers also discussed the work of the aquaculture task group and   agreed that Canada’s aquaculture industry has made great strides but has yet to   realize its full potential. They therefore tasked officials to rapidly develop   proposals for: a coordinated governance and regulatory framework for the   industry; related research, development and commercialization, infrastructure   and stewardship.

Ministers were also apprised of recent efforts to address misperceptions   about the Canadian seal harvest and to ensure markets, especially European   markets, remain open to Canadian seal products. The economic value of the   sealing industry is significant for Canada’s coastal communities - in 2006 it   was estimated to be worth more than $60 million. Ministers undertook to work   together to get the message out that the annual Canadian seal harvest is   well-managed, sustainable and humane.

All Ministers encouraged the federal Minister to table in Parliament as soon   as possible a new and modernized Fisheries Act.

The CCFAM meets annually to set priorities and work collaboratively on   fisheries and aquaculture issues of interest to Canadians. The next meeting will   be in New Brunswick in 2008.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

                                               

Geneviève Gareau-Lavoie            Media Relations            Fisheries and Oceans   Canada            613-990-7537                        Steve Outhouse            Director of   Communications            Office of the Minister of Fisheries and   Oceans            613-992-3474

David Leibl            Press Secretary to Cabinet            Government of Manitoba            204-945-1494