Atlantic Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers’ Meeting
NEWS RELEASE – MINISTERS REVIEW PROGRESS ON EAST COAST FISHERIES ISSUES
"We were pleased to have this opportunity to discuss issues of common concern with the federal minister," Minister Gillan said on behalf of his counterparts. "We have had a very productive first meeting with Minister Thibault and we look forward to continuing to work cooperatively to address the challenges facing the fisheries and aquaculture industries."
"The future of Canada's fisheries is very important, and I am pleased with this opportunity to work with my provincial and territorial counterparts to address the many challenges facing those on our east coast," Minister Thibault said. "I look forward to a strong working relationship, where we can build on past successes and efforts in support of viable and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture industries in Atlantic Canada."
Implementation of the Supreme Court's Marshall decision was a key item on the agenda. Overall, Ministers acknowledged progress achieved in 2001, and the continued efforts in providing First Nations with access to the resource and to opportunities aimed at increasing their economic independence. However, Ministers also recognized that there are still issues to be addressed, and that efforts must continue.
Ministers also reviewed progress on the Atlantic Fisheries Policy Review (AFPR), which is aimed at developing a consistent policy framework for the sustainable management of Atlantic fisheries. Having completed public consultations throughout the Atlantic provinces, Quebec and Nunavut in 2001, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is now focusing on finalizing the new framework. Ministers will have an opportunity to discuss the new framework before it is finalized. The second phase of the AFPR process will involve the development of strategies to implement the new policy framework.
The AFPR will also consider the recommendations of the report from the Independent Panel on Access Criteria (IPAC), which was established to review access decision-making criteria and processes for new or emerging fisheries, or for fisheries that have increased in abundance or value. The Panel's Chair, Mr. Arthur Kroeger, briefed Ministers on the work of the IPAC. The Panel's report will soon be ready and made available to the public. Atlantic provincial and territorial Ministers and governments, industry representatives, aboriginal groups and other interested stakeholders will have an opportunity to comment on its findings and recommendations.
Today's meeting also provided Ministers with an opportunity to hear from Dr. Ian McLaren, Chair of the Eminent Panel on Seal Management. Dr. McLaren summarized the findings of the report, which was released in December 2001. Minister Thibault indicated that the report will be part of consultations with provinces and territories as well as stakeholders with a view of establishing a long-term management plan for the seal fishery on Canada's east coast.
Progress in support of the sustainable development of Canada's aquaculture industry was also reviewed, and Ministers provided direction for further improvements. Minister Thibault noted that the implementation of the department's action plan on aquaculture in conjunction with provincial and territorial initiatives has reinforced federal-provincial-territorial cooperation, strengthening the industry in areas such as research and development and improving site access.
All Ministers recognized the need to further strengthen cooperation and communication among jurisdictions. Minister Thibault also agreed to consider a number of issues raised by the provincial and territorial Ministers, such as the need for strengthened enforcement. The co-chair of the meeting, Minister Gillan, stressed the importance of thorough consultation with industry before a new lobster management plan is adopted.
Finally, ministers commended the federal minister's recent decision to close all Canadian ports to fishing vessels from the Faroe Islands to address the problem of non compliance with Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) conservation measures.
The ACFAM will meet again in September, in Halifax, consistent with its terms of reference.