April 18, 2012
Washington, DC – The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, issued the following statement today in Washington, D.C., following key meetings with U.S. Administration officials on important bilateral and multilateral fisheries management and related issues:
“The status of the Canada-U.S. Pacific Albacore Treaty was top of mind. I reiterated Canada’s desire to continue negotiating its prompt renewal so that both Canada and the United States can continue to benefit from this valuable longstanding arrangement.
“The Treaty is an excellent example of cross-border cooperation that has helped achieve long-term stability, enhanced management practices, and opportunities for fishermen and businesses in both countries. The Treaty represents significant economic benefits in both Canada and the U.S. The Canadian albacore tuna fishery is valued at approximately $30 million annually and supports over 250 Canadian fishing jobs. The economic spin-offs of Canadian activity in coastal communities in Oregon and Washington are vast. Not renewing this treaty could represent a potential loss of $16 million annually and corresponding jobs in the Pacific Northwest.
“Canada’s industry has been very active in providing solutions to reinvigorate the negotiations. I fully support the industry in these endeavours and I will continue to urge the United States to work with us in finding a solution.
“I also spoke with my American counterparts about aquatic invasive species, particularly Asian carp. Asian carp have not yet made their way into the Great Lakes system or in Canadian waters. Both Canada and the U.S. recognize the potential impact this species could have on important commercial and recreational fisheries. I want to recognize the United States’ leadership and work on this matter and thank them for their partnership. We agreed to continue our long standing relationship of working together to prevent the spread of invasive species, particularly Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes system.
Additionally, following meetings I have had with lobster fishermen in Atlantic Canada, I indicated to my counterparts that industry are experiencing delays getting their product into the United States. We agreed that our respective enforcement agencies need to address this issue.
Overall, I am pleased to have had a positive and productive day of meetings with counterparts in the United States.”
For more information about the Pacific Albacore Tuna Treaty, visit the Fisheries and Oceans website.
-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
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
