Minister Takes Concerns to Federal Gov't

Fisheries Minister Ernest Fage has asked the federal government to include the commercial fishery in the process to integrate native fishermen into the fishing industry.

This request along with other industry related concerns were brought forward by the provincial minister at a meeting held April 27, in St. John's, Nfld.

Commercial fishermen have expressed concerns over the lack of information they have received on the interim fishing agreements with the native bands.

"The province will do what it can to ensure facilitation of a commercial, same-season fishery that integrates native and non-native participants," said Mr. Fage. "One way of helping in this transition is to share information with industry when the agreements are in place so that native and non-native communities can start working together to achieve a peaceful and successful fishery."

Another industry issue brought forward is the importance of consistent enforcement, and in particular ensuring proper control of the native food fishery.

"Mr. Dhaliwal has indicated that enforcement plans will be in place and all fishermen, non-native and native must abide by the rules," said Mr. Fage. "Conservation of our fishery is paramount to our sustainability. To achieve this we must have a regulated fishery."

Royalty fishing or lease fishing is of concern as well. This type of fishing would see non-native fishermen using a license that belongs to a native community under a rental or lease agreement with the native band.

"This is not acceptable," said Mr. Fage. "The Marshall decision, which I fully support, is for the well-being of native communities. The only way the benefits of employment and economic prosperity can happen for the native bands is if the native fishermen operate their own boats."

The provincial minister noted he was pleased to receive assurances from Department of Fisheries and Oceans that there is no intention to create any royalty arrangements. It was agreed that benefits of fishing under the Marshall decision should directly benefit the native communities and not be part of a "rental" program for non-native fishers.

Mr. Fage stated that co-operation between native and non-native fishermen will be essential to facilitate the integration of natives into the commercial fishery. Proper training is part of the co-operation. While non-natives are not expected to be present on native vessels for the long term, legitimate training arrangements that would see appropriate commercial fishermen work with natives on their vessel to address the practical aspects of the fishing operations would be beneficial to all sectors of the industry.

Many Nova Scotia's coastal communities with small craft harbours have been experiencing financial problems. The future of many wharves is in jeopardy because of their age and in some cases the culmination of winter storms. Wharves are showing their frailties and there is little funding available to improve these essential structures. The federal government announced in their spring budget that there will be money for marine infrastructure, however there has been little clarification of what that will mean for Nova Scotia.

At the St. John's meeting, Mr. Fage stressed the point that wharf and harbour infrastructures are essential to the success of our commercial fishing industry. He noted that maintaining the infrastructure is a federal responsibility and adequate funding must be provided.

"While Mr. Dhaliwal could not confirm possible funding for our wharves, he is aware of our concerns and has indicated he will take our concerns back to his department for review," said Mr. Fage.

Also attending the Atlantic Council of Fisheries Ministers in St. John's were ministers from the Atlantic province's and Quebec and a representative from Nunavut.

Many other topics were discussed including aquaculture's environmental assessments process, vessel safety, groundfish retirement license program, and quality assurance initiatives.