September 23, 2011
Halifax, Nova Scotia – The Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) agreed on a package of management and compliance measures for the conservation and rebuilding of key fish stocks under the Organization’s responsibility, including cod, Greenland halibut and shrimp, as well as to further protect vulnerable marine ecosystems in the Northwest Atlantic.
“Our government understands that international engagement is vital to protecting and preserving Canadian fisheries. At the recent NAFO meeting in Halifax, Canada achieved all of our objectives for the conservation of this important resource,” said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. “We also underscored our resolve to continue strengthening compliance on the high seas.”
Canada and the other members of NAFO agreed on the terms of reference for the establishment of a working group to review the Report of the NAFO Performance Review Panel and to determine how to implement the report’s recommendations.
The report of the NAFO Performance Review Panel validates many of the actions Canada has taken over the last few years to strengthen the Organization, and particularly the amendments to the NAFO Convention that were adopted two years ago. Canada continues to work with and encourage those members who have not yet ratified the amended NAFO Convention to do so.
“Under the leadership of our government, NAFO has come a long way but much work remains to be done. We look forward to working with our NAFO partners to implement the recommendations of the Performance Review Panel,” said Minister Ashfield.
It was noted at the Annual Meeting that joint sea patrols have already increased and members indicated their commitment to strengthen at-sea enforcement cooperation going forward. Enforcement partners on the high seas now include the United States, Russia, France (for Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon), and the European Union.
Backgrounder:
-30-
For more information:
Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-990-7537
Barbara Mottram
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
613-992-3474
NR-HQ-11-15E
