June 6, 2014 - Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa, Ontario - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and Minister for the Arctic Council, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, is pleased to announce an agreement that will expand local fisheries benefits and opportunities for Nunavummiut and result in a significant increase in economic diversification for Nunavut.
In May 2013, the Pangnirtung Hunters and Trappers Organization made a request to the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board to move the boundary line of the Cumberland Sound Turbot Management Area from its current location out to the mouth of Cumberland Sound. As per the process outlined in the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, Minister Shea accepted the final decision of the Board to move the boundary line. As part of this agreement, a science plan will be put in place to assess the turbot movements. The location of the line will be reassessed once additional science information is collected and analyzed.
The decision is a result of efforts between the Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board to collaboratively create a science plan to collect additional data on turbot movements in Cumberland Sound. This plan will help update the current science advice on turbot stock in Cumberland Sound.
“I appreciate the collaborative efforts between the Board, the Pangnirtung Hunters and Trappers Organization, the Government of Nunavut and our Government that have resulted in a workable solution which allows increased fishing opportunity of the Cumberland Sound turbot resources while also helping update the current science advice on turbot resources.”
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
“Our Government is committed to fostering economic opportunities for Northerners and has taken significant action to support the Nunavut fishing industry. That agreement will increase the fishing area providing further access to a valuable resource, support inshore fisheries development in Nunavut, increase economic opportunities for local small boat harvesters, and support further use of the new harbour facilities in Pangnirtung.”
The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and Minister for the Arctic Council
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
613-992-3474
Kevin Hill
Regional Director of Communications, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
204-983-3776
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