N.S. Heartened by Lobster Agreement

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Ernest Fage says he is heartened that native and non-native fishermen from the upper Bay of Fundy have worked out a lobster fishing arrangement.

"The co-operation shown between these 90 fishermen and Chief Brian Toney of the Annapolis Valley First Nation is encouraging. It proves that if the right spirit exists, groups can sit down and find solutions even in these uncertain times," Mr. Fage said.

"This is a good start," he said. "Finding co-operative solutions has always been our goal. The native and non-native fishermen have achieved that and they are to be congratulated."

He urged Federal Fisheries Minister Herb Dhaliwal to give the proposal his fullest consideration.

"We hope this goodwill can spread into other areas and show that sitting down together brings agreement," Mr Fage added.

He said this agreement will help to ease tension among fishermen in the upper Bay of Fundy, known as Area 35, who would be hurt if a 30-day moratorium is applied to their lobster fishing area. Their area opens Oct. 15, 1999.