Minister Hearn Announces Final Policy Guidelines on Enterprise Combining for Newfoundland and Labrador

News Release

February 21, 2008
ST. JOHN’S – The Honorable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
today announced that DFO is ready to implement a new enterprise combining policy
for fish harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador.
"Since the original announcement of the enterprise combining policy in April,
2007 we have met with fish harvesters throughout the Province to discuss its implementation.
We have listened carefully to their views and I’m pleased to announce these policy
guidelines in time for harvesters to prepare for the 2008 fishing season" stated
Minister Hearn. "The enterprise combining policy gives those on the water, in their
boats, greater control of their economic future and greater opportunity to decide
for themselves their place in this industry."
The introduction of a new enterprise combining policy represents a significant
step forward in how the Newfoundland and Labrador fishery is managed.
"The steps we have taken today give harvesters the flexibility to grow their
enterprise while allowing others to leave the industry on their own terms. This
fleet rationalization plan will increase the income levels for current harvesters
and attract the next generation of fish harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador,"
stated Minister Hearn.
Under the new policy, individual Independent Core enterprise holders can buy
another core enterprise for the purpose of combining. This transaction must result
in the removal of one core enterprise, a vessel registration and any duplicate species
licences. Individual harvesters will be able to acquire an entire enterprise or
share the purchase of an enterprise with another fish harvester. However, they will
not be able to acquire more than two times the maximum individual quota level for
a given species in their fleet.
The new enterprise combining policy will include a bridging mechanism for vessels
in the over 40’ fleet in 2008 who have already committed to quota arrangements based
on last year’s temporary measures. "I have heard the viewpoint of harvesters on
this issue and the new policy will include an option to apply for this bridging
mechanism this year," stated Minister Hearn.
Fish harvesters will have to sign a new declaration saying they understand the
temporary nature of the bridging arrangement and that this bridging arrangement
will not be available beyond 2008.
Given concerns raised by fish harvesters with the lobster fishery in Fortune
Bay and fixed gear enterprises on the west coast, enterprise combining in these
areas will be placed on hold until the management approach for these fisheries is
complete.
Complete implementation guidelines for enterprise combining are now available
on the DFO Newfoundland and Labrador Region Website and will be available at local
DFO offices in the coming weeks.
Enterprise Combining Implementation Guide:
http://www.nfl.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/publications/enterprise_combining_implementation_guide_eng.pdf

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Steve Outhouse
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
(613) 992-3474
Bob Fagan
A/Regional Director
Communications Branch
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Newfoundland and Labrador Region
(709) 772-7622

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Minister Hearn Announces Final Policy Guidelines on Enterprise Combining for Newfoundland and Labrador

News Release

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