October 28, 2005
SEOGWIPO, KOREA -- Scientific research conducted by the member countries of the North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission (NPAFC) may improve Canada's ability to forecast the abundance and migration timing of Pacific salmon stocks, said Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.
"Canada is working closely with our North Pacific partners to study the factors affecting the survival of salmon stocks in ocean environments, including climate change," said Minister Regan. "This research may help us better understand the unpredictability of salmon stocks, such as Fraser River sockeye - and improve our ability to manage, conserve, and rebuild this precious resource."
The annual meeting of the NPAFC was held this week in Seogwipo, Korea. The meeting is an opportunity for members to exchange information about the latest scientific research and co-ordinate new research activities. It is also an opportunity to exchange intelligence on illegal fishing activities and refine the programs that track these activities.
Key outcomes of this year's meeting include the announcement that a second international workshop for NPAFC members will be held in Japan in April 2006 to study the factors affecting the production of juvenile salmon. The Commission also announced the development of a new Integrated Information System on enforcement that allows NPAFC members to keep information about illegal or suspected vessels in the Convention Area on a closed web site.
"Directed fishing of salmon and trout in the high seas of the North Pacific is not allowed," said Minister Regan. "Member countries of the NPAFC have worked hard to enforce this rule. Through our joint efforts, we've cut illegal driftnet fishing by almost 90 per cent in this area."
Canada's role in the NPAFC monitoring and control efforts has been dubbed Operation Driftnet by the Department of National Defence. During this year's aerial patrols, two Canadian Air Force patrol aircraft repeatedly monitored a 4.1 million square kilometre area of the North Pacific in search of vessels engaged in IUU fishing.
Participation in Operation Driftnet is a key activity of Canada's strategy to combat overfishing and improve international fisheries and oceans governance. In keeping with this strategy, Canada's participation in the NPAFC annual meeting included promoting the importance of the St. John's Conference Ministerial Declaration, especially, its aims to modernize regional fisheries management organizations.
The NPAFC is responsible for the conservation and management of salmon and other anadromous fish stocks in the North Pacific Ocean and its adjacent seas, beyond the 200-mile limits of coastal States. To fulfill its mandate, the Commission promotes collaborative scientific research activities and joint enforcement of fishing restrictions.
The 2006 NPAFC annual meeting will take place in Vancouver, British Columbia. Canada's Head of Delegation, Guy Beaupré, assumed the Presidency of the Commission for 2006 and 2007.
Backgrounder:
Canada and the North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission
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For more information regarding Canada's strategy to combat overfishing and improve international fisheries governance, visit: www.overfishing.gc.ca.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Sophie Galarneau
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
