February 27, 2015 - Ottawa, Ontario
Today, the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans announced the members of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Atlantic Salmon, created to advance Atlantic salmon conservation efforts.
The advisory committee will include ten representatives from the four Atlantic Provinces and Quebec who have proven expertise on Atlantic salmon issues and understand the challenges in Eastern Canada.
The Minister has retained the services of Mr. Greg Roach to chair the committee meetings with the support of Mr. Bill Taylor as Vice-Chair. They will work with Committee members to articulate all the issues related to the Committee’s mandate, consult with stakeholders, and prepare a report with recommendations that are action- oriented and can be implemented in the near-term.
Established last December, the committee will focus discussions on the following aspects: conservation and enforcement measures, predation, strategy to address international, unsustainable fishing and focused areas for advancing science.
“Conserving and protecting our Atlantic salmon is a priority for our Government. Building on the investments, management measures and science we already conduct, this Ministerial Advisory Committee on Atlantic salmon and those they will consult are expected to provide recommendations on how we can reverse the Atlantic salmon returns trend. I’m hopeful that will help inform our Atlantic salmon management strategy for the 2015 fishing season in cooperation with our regional and international partners.”
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
"The continued decline of Atlantic salmon stocks in many of our river systems is cause for serious concern. Those particularly impacted are First Nations, anglers and businesses whose incomes are based on economic activities generated from sport fishing or related tourism. I look forward to hearing from stakeholders and working with the committee members to explore all options that may help turn things around for this important species."
Greg Roach, Chair, Ministerial Advisory Committee on Atlantic Salmon
“Canada’s wild Atlantic salmon populations are in serious decline which last year reached a crisis state in many rivers. The appointment of the Ministerial Advisory Committee is an important first step in addressing the decline. It is essential that the Committee receive submissions from conservation groups, First Nations, outfitters, anglers, communities and concerned citizens who depend on wild Atlantic salmon for food, employment, economic benefits and ecosystem health. This public input is to share their views, experiences and recommendations to help the Committee prepare both immediate and longer term conservation and management recommendations to the Minister in time for implementation in 2015.”
Bill Taylor, Vice Chair, Ministerial Advisory Committee on Atlantic Salmon
Michele Boriel
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-990-7537
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
NR-HQ-15-09E
Follow us on Twitter!
