January 16, 2008
OTTAWA – The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Honourable Loyola
Hearn, today announced that he has requested the Fisheries Resource Conservation
Council (FRCC) to develop a long-term strategic approach to Atlantic herring conservation.
"Considering the importance of the Atlantic herring in Atlantic Canada, I have
asked the FRCC to consult widely with all stakeholders in order to understand and
consider all the issues related to conservation of this key resource and sustainability
of the fishery," said Minister Hearn. "I have asked them to develop an Atlantic-wide
Strategic Sustainability Framework to help ensure that the herring fishery continues
on a sustainable basis."
The Atlantic herring fishery is the most important pelagic species in Atlantic
Canada with annual landings of 160,000 t with a landed value of almost $40M. This
is divided among a number of uses, including food products and bait, and many users.
In total, more than 7,700 harvesters participate in this fishery. As well as supporting
an important commercial resource, this species is also an important component of
the ecosystem, being a key prey item in the diet of many other fish and mammals
and, in turn, a predator of other fish species.
The FRCC will be expected to focus on herring science, management measures, harvesting
practices, and the roles of all the stakeholders in the fishery, in mapping out
recommendations to promote a sustainable fishery. As with previous similar reports
directed at American lobster and snow crab in Atlantic Canada, the Council will
reflect the increasing emphasis being brought to ecosystem considerations in the
understanding and management of exploited marine species. The preliminary work will
start this month with the full terms of reference to be finalized after a full appraisal
of the fishery. The report is expected to be similar in nature to earlier such reports
dealing with snow crab (2005) and Atlantic lobster (2007). A report is expected
by June 2009.
Minister Hearn also took the opportunity to announce the appointment or re-appointment
of five members to the Council. The new members are Mr. Walter Bruce from PEI, Mr.
Greg Thompson from New Brunswick, and Mr. Martin Sullivan from Newfoundland and
Labrador. Dr. Jean-Jacques Maguire from Quebec and Mr. Gerard J. Chidley from Newfoundland
and Labrador have been re-appointed.
"I am certain that these new and re-appointed members will make tremendous contributions
to the Council and to the important work that lies ahead," said Minister Hearn.
I also wish to thank Mr. Douglas Johnston from PEI, Mr. Guy Cormier from New Brunswick,
and Mr. Gabe Gregory from Newfoundland and Labrador for their contributions to the
work of the Council during their terms.
The FRCC, an arm's length advisory body, was created in 1993, as a partnership
between scientists, academics and all sectors of the fishing industry. Their role
is to provide advice on measures which will assist the government to achieve its
conservation, economic and social objectives for the fishery. There are 12 core
members on the FRCC representing the scientific community and industry; in addition
there are representatives from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, as well as
provincial governments of the Atlantic provinces, Quebec and Nunavut.
For general information on the FRCC or to learn more about its members, please
visit its website at www.frcc-ccrh.ca.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Phil Jenkins
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-990-7537
Joshua Zanin
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-992-3474
