Nova Scotia Fisheries Minister Raises Concerns

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES--Nova Scotia Fisheries Minister Raises Concerns

Nova Scotia Fisheries Minister Gordon Balser has asked federal Fisheries Minister Robert Thibault to ensure that possible impacts on fishermen, plant workers and communities are considered when decisions are made about whether to close the 2003 Gulf of St. Lawrence cod fishery.

"A timely decision and co-operation on the part of the federal government is required so that any possible impacts on fishermen, plant workers and communities can be addressed," Mr. Balser said today, Feb. 21, after a meeting of the Atlantic Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers.

The ministers were in Halifax to review the findings of a joint government committee that studied the economic importance of Northern and Gulf cod stocks to East Coast harvesters, processors and communities. The three-month review by the Federal Provincial Atlantic Fisheries Committee investigated the potential economic impact on Atlantic communities and fishing participants.

"The issue of cod bycatch when fishing other groundfish species, such as grey sole, is of major importance for our fishermen in the Gulf of St. Lawrence." said Mr. Balser. "Based on our discussions, I believe the Department of Fisheries and Oceans will make every effort to allow reasonable cod bycatches so that other groundfish fisheries can continue."

A decision on whether to close the 2003 Gulf of St. Lawrence and northeastern Newfoundland cod fishery is expected by the end of March.

During roundtable discussions, Mr. Balser brought up a number of trade concerns including new security programs at U.S. border crossings and interprovincial trade of unprocessed crab.

"Nova Scotia supports free trade of fish and fish products but restrictions in provinces such as Newfoundland and Quebec make it very difficult for our processors to compete. I have once again asked my provincial colleagues to eliminate these trade barriers," said Mr. Balser.

The minister also raised the issue of inter-generational transfer of fishing license. The federal government has been reviewing the province's request to allow fishing licenses to be transferred within families without facing steep capital gains taxation.

Mr. Balser said he also raised concerns about delays in getting federal environmental assessments completed for Aquaculture sites and said he is hoping something can be done to speed things along.

Also on the agenda at the meeting was a presentation on the fisheries implications of the Species at Risk Act. The federal legislation was approved last fall and is expected to be proclaimed later this year. When in force, the Act will cover all wildlife species that are listed as being at risk, with the ultimate goal of helping increase their numbers.

The Atlantic Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers is made up of fisheries ministers from the Atlantic provinces, Quebec, Nunavut and the federal government.