March 2, 2015
Ottawa, Ontario – The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that Canada will host the 2015 annual meeting of the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization (NASCO) this June in Happy Valley – Goose Bay. Delegates from all NASCO member countries will converge in Labrador from June 2-5, 2015 for the 32nd annual meeting of the international organization whose primary focus is the conservation and management of wild salmon in the North Atlantic.
Salmon has significant cultural importance to the residents of Labrador and specifically the Aboriginal population in the region which depends on salmon as a food source. Hosting this international meeting will enable Canada to showcase its strong regulatory and monitoring regime for the recreational Atlantic salmon fishery and the Aboriginal fishery for food, social and ceremonial purposes. This venue will also allow attendees to witness first-hand Canada’s partnership with communities and Aboriginal organizations in the management of Atlantic salmon.
Canada plays a leadership role in the implementation of management measures and conducting research to ensure the long-term viability of Atlantic salmon and other important fish stocks.
~The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
~ Jamie Snook, Mayor of Happy Valley – Goose Bay
~ Carl McLean, Deputy Minister, Lands and Natural Resources, Nunatsiavut Government and NASCO Commissioner
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Rosaleen O'Mahony
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-990-7537
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
NR-HQ-15-11E
