Fisheries Minister Seeks Consultation

Nova Scotia fish producers and buyers are invited to participate in a review of the Fish Processors and Fish Buyers Licence Policy, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Ernest Fage announced today.

"We want input from processors, buyers and other stakeholders on the draft revisions of the current licence policy before we finalize a policy position," said Mr. Fage. "Changes to the present policy are warranted in light of many changes in the fishing and aquaculture sectors."

The downturn in the East Coast groundfish fishery in the late 1980s led to the implementation of the first licence policy for fish processors and buyers. In response to the Cashin Task Force, the department implemented the current licence policy in 1994. It was based on industry trends but also permitted new entrants in areas not related to groundfish.

Policy information can be found on the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Web site www.gov.ns.ca/nsaf/licensing/draftpolicy.htm or telephone inquiries can be made to 902-424-0343. A draft copy of the proposed Fish Processors and Fish Buyers Licence Policy will also be circulated to industry members and be available at the local Fisheries Representatives offices early next week.

Written submissions are to be forwarded to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, PO Box 2223, Halifax, N.S., B3J 3C4 on or before June 1.