PARIS - At the launch of the final report of the High Seas Task Force on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing today, the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, commended the work of the Task Force Secretariat and announced Canada's next step in combatting global overfishing.
"The Task Force is a great example of what can happen when a small group of people decide to focus on action," said Minister Hearn. "The issue of overfishing has been talked to death. At this point, talk and study that doesn't lead to concrete action - and meaningful results - is pointless."
In the report, the Task Force outlined a series of specific initiatives, of which member countries and organizations have committed to champion one or more.
Canada's contribution will be to oversee, in co-operation with the United Kingdom, the development of a model regional fisheries management organization (RFMO) within one year. While the name of the project may not mean a lot to the average Canadian, ultimately it's about cracking down on illegal fishing, ensuring offenders are caught and dealt with severely.
The model RFMO will clearly outline what sanctions would be taken against offending vessels and a consistent approach regarding inspections. These and other standards will provide the criteria on which the performance of RFMOs, including the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO), can be independently reviewed.
"Arriving at this model with a member state of the European Union provides the opportunity for the international community to show its commitment to results;" stated Minister Hearn. "I hope it will lead to an acceleration of the NAFO reforms we're already seeking."
While the High Seas Task Force is separate from NAFO and other RFMOs, its work places international pressure on these organizations to seriously improve the way they manage and protect the world's fish stocks. Because the timeline for the development of the RFMO model is one year, Task Force officials will be able to bring the model forward to their member RFMOs within a short time-frame.
"I'm pleased that Canada has played a pivotal role in the High Seas Task Force to put an end to overfishing in international waters. All involved ministers clearly believe the time for action is now. I fully agree with this view," added Minister Hearn.
The final report of the High Seas Task Force, including a summary of the proposals, and photos of the launch event are posted at
www.overfishing.gc.ca.
Backgrounder:
High Seas Task Force Final Report Initiatives
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For further
information:
Sophie Galarneau
Manager, Media Relations
Fisheries and
Oceans Canada
(613) 990-7537
