October 13, 2010
ÎLES-DE-LA-MADELEINE, QUEBEC - The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that a total of $3 million has been provided to the Regroupement des pêcheurs professionnels du sud de la Gaspésie (RPPSG) and the Association des pécheurs propriétaires des Îles-de-la-Madeleine (APPIM) through the Atlantic Lobster Sustainability Measures program to help the groups implement new measures in the Quebec lobster fishery. This will build on their previous efforts towards sustainability.
"These two lobster harvesting groups are among the first ones to receive funding to implement sustainability projects in their Lobster Fishing Areas," said Minister Shea. "This is an important step forward for conservation and improved economic viability of Canada's lobster fishery over the long term."
The APPIM has received $1.9 million to implement their project proposal, which covers Lobster Fishing Area 22. This funding will allow the Association to put in place an electronic logbook pilot project with a view to future full implementation. The APPIM will also carry out an artificial reef project with the goal of increasing ecosystem productivity and a plan to reduce the limit on the number of traps permitted to be used by three lobster traps per fisher per year annually until 2014.
The RPPSG has received $1.1 million for its project proposal, which covers Areas 19-21. Elements of the project include the retirement of 11 licences and the introduction of an electronic logbook system improve monitoring of fishing activities and control of bycatches. The RPPSG will also conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility of introducing a dockside monitoring system for their fishery.
Up to $50 million is available to industry groups under Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Atlantic Lobster Sustainability Measures program.
"This program is a key part of our Government's recent efforts to help the lobster industry adapt to new global market requirements through restructuring and the adoption of stronger conservation measures," added Minister Shea.
The Atlantic Lobster Sustainability Measures program covers all Lobster Fishing Areas in Atlantic Canada and Quebec.
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For more information on the Atlantic Lobster Sustainability Measures program, visit: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/lobster.
For more information:
Michel Plamondon
Senior Communications Advisor
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Quebec region
Quebec, Quebec
418-648-5419
