Province Supports Managed Fishery

FISHERIES/AQUACULTURE Province Supports Managed Fishery

The province supports a managed fishery and urges a peaceful solution to the fishing issues facing our province and country, said Ernest Fage, Nova Scotia's Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

"The fishery should be operated in a orderly manner with clear and consistent guidelines for all," said Mr. Fage. "I think we can find a way to accomplish this through ongoing discussion.

"Recent events, in particular the reaction to the federal court decision to dismiss a request for an injunction by the Shubenacadie Indian Band to restrict seizure of lobster traps and boats in St. Mary's Bay will result in further discussion with native fishers and the regulators, the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans."

The Department will continue to enforce regulations requiring detailed record-keeping of all the buying and selling activity in the province.

The Province of Nova Scotia, an intervener at the Sept. 7 federal court, argued that the granting of the injunction would severely jeopardize the enforcement efforts regarding the sale of lobster.

"A managed fishery is essential for our renewable resources, for all fishers, both native and non-native," said the minister.

"I urge people involved in the fishery to find a way to reach a workable solution."