Resolution Condemning DFO Passed

Department of Fisheries and Oceans was condemned in the Nova Scotia legislature Friday for not allowing Nova Scotia fishermen to take part in an expanding shrimp fishery.

A resolution introduced by Keith Colwell, Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister, said the DFO decision to exclude Nova Scotians from receiving a shrimp quota "violates their legitimate right as Canadian fishermen to fish in Canadian waters." The federal decision ignores the province's historical attachment and legitimate right to catch fish, the department maintains.

The minister added that he is "committed to working together with our communities to represent the interests of our province of fishery-related issues in a strong and aggressive manner."

The resolution was supported by all parties.

A week ago, DFO announced an increase of more than 28,000 tonnes in the total allowable catch for 1998. New Nova Scotia companies asked for a share of that quota, but all were denied.

Companies in Mulgrave, Canso, Isle Madame and Lismore had applied for northern shrimp quota to create jobs.

This is the second consecutive year that new Nova Scotia participants have failed to gain access to the growing resource. Last year, DFO increased the total allowable catch for northern shrimp by more than 21,000 tonnes and awarded all of the additional allocation to existing participants.