Ottawa, Ontario – Enhancing access to fisheries provides an opportunity to create social and economic benefits for coastal and Indigenous communities, and further promote economic prosperity for middle class Atlantic Canadians.

“The inclusion of participants from each Atlantic province and Quebec will allow the benefits of this lucrative fishery to flow to a broad group of First Nations, and will help create good, middle-class jobs for Indigenous peoples in each Atlantic province and Quebec. This is a powerful step toward reconciliation.”

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

• In September 2017, the Minister announced his intention to introduce a fourth license for Arctic Surf Clam representing 25% of the Total Allowable Catch for that fishery.

• The new license is issued within the current Total Allowable Catch.

• There was an eight-week Expression of Interest process beginning September 7, 2017.

• Applicants were required to: be majority owned by Canadians; demonstrate an ability to comply with all the measures set out in the existing conditions of the licence; be an Indigenous entity located in one of the four Atlantic provinces or Quebec.

• DFO assessed eligible proposals received in the context of the proposed direct and significant benefits that will be generated for Indigenous communities in the applicant’s geographic area including shore-based employment, skills training and other community benefits. Priority was given to proposals received from an aggregate of multiple communities that could demonstrate capacity to collectively manage this fishery in order to benefit several Indigenous communities.

• The long-term sustainability of the Arctic Surf Clam fishery is a priority for our government. DFO bases its fisheries management decisions, including the Arctic Surf Clam fishery, on the precautionary principle, the best available science, and consultations with those most impacted by the decision.

Associated Links

• Arctic Surf Clam – Decision to Reconfigure Access in 2018

Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Vincent Hughes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
Vincent.Hughes@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

NR-HQ-18-07E

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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