Ministerial Declaration Signals Political Commitment to Change Direction of High Seas Fisheries Governance

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ST. JOHN'S - Ministers or their representatives from 19 countries today outlined a vision for reforming high seas fisheries governance to delegates at the international conference on the Governance of High Seas Fisheries and the United Nations Fish Agreement taking place this week in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. "I am pleased to report strong global consensus to modernize the organizations we use to manage the world's fish stocks," said the Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Chair of the Ministerial Round Table at the conference. "Our Declaration sets out the goals we want to achieve ¿ and how we want to achieve them as a global community." "We must have scientifically based decisions and they must be enforced. Overfishing with impunity is no longer acceptable." In their Declaration, Ministers reiterated their commitment to responsible high seas fisheries and outlined their intention to move from words to action in several key areas. Ministers urged all States to ratify international agreements, such as the UN Fish Agreement. They also agreed to modernize the regional organizations used to manage high seas fisheries by: making decisions based on sound science; using the precautionary approach to ensure the conservation of fish stocks; ensuring the rules of these organizations are clear, understandable and consistent with international agreements; and enforcing catches and fishing effort to ensure compliant fishing behaviour. The Ministerial Declaration was presented by Minister Regan at the conclusion of the round table discussions. Minister Regan chaired the proceedings, the results of which will be used by more than 300 delegates representing 45 countries at the Conference, as they work to identify an action plan and specific commitments for implementation by participating nations. "As Ministers, these are the broad commitments we've set out for this Conference," said Minister Regan. "The next step belongs to the conference delegates. Over the coming days, we urge them to set our course of action and transform our commitments into reality." The St. John's Conference is a key activity in Canada's strategy to combat global overfishing and improve international fisheries governance. Canada expects the Conference will launch an international process that leads to strengthened governance and updated high seas fisheries management. This priority area is also featured in the Government of Canada's new International Policy Statement. - 30 - Full text of the Ministerial Declaration: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fgc-cgp/declaration_e.htm For More Information: Phil Jenkins Media Relations Fisheries and Oceans Canada Ottawa (613) 990-7537 Sujata Raisinghani Press Secretary Office of the Minister Fisheries and Oceans Canada Ottawa (613) 992-3474

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2016-12-15

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Ministerial Declaration Signals Political Commitment to Change Direction of High Seas Fisheries Governance

News Release

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