Conference to Discuss Conservation

Promoting balanced conservation technology and sustainable development of the fisheries will highlight a meeting of representatives from fisheries organizations and processors next week in Truro.

More than 60 representatives are registered to attend the conference Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 22-23, at the Agritech Park. Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell will chair the meeting.

The conference continues the work begun at a similar meeting last summer. At the time, fisheries representatives identified consensus points that will be updated at next week's meeting.

Industry representatives have added a responsible fishing initiative to the agenda this time, including a review of a new Canadian code of conduct for responsible fishing.

Mr. Colwell said he believes accepting a code of conduct is a key step in ensuring the fishery remains successful.

"Despite the challenges of the last decade, the fishery is still one of Nova Scotia's leading industries. Initiatives, like a code, will make sure the industry is healthy a long time into the future," he said.

Mr. Colwell hopes to build on the goodwill and consensus reached at last year's meeting, when he brought together industry representatives to discuss issues facing the Nova Scotia fishery.

"Our first gathering was very successful, and I expect many people will want to make this type of meeting a regular event," said Mr. Colwell. "The more united we are as an industry, the stronger our bargaining position is, especially when it comes to the federal government."