Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Allan Campbell says he has no interest in discussing changes to access by the seiner fleet off the north shore of Prince Edward Island.
Mr. Campbell was responding to statements made by New Brunswick Minister Rick Doucet that Federal Minister Loyola Hearn would provide more opportunities for the seiner fleet to change its quota. The statement suggested that would mean a reopening of the 25 fathom herring seiner exclusion line.
Mr. Campbell said the Prince Edward Island government will continue to defend the 25 fathom line for the benefit of the inshore herring fishery and the protection of habitat for other species including lobster.
“Prince Edward Island worked very hard to reestablish the 25 fathom line and I am not willing to reopen discussions on this issue,” said Mr. Campbell. “The 25 fathom line is vital to the conservation of the resources and it must be maintained for the benefit of the entire fishery in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.”
Mr. Campbell said he has not been approached on this issue by Minister Hearn. Mr. Campbell noted that, less than a year ago, the PEI government received assurances from Minister Hearn that there would be no changes to the 25 fathom line off the north shore of Prince Edward Island.
“I find it inconceivable that Minister Hearn would be willing to disrupt the entire herring fishery for the benefit of the seiner fleet alone,” said Mr. Campbell. “The interest of the inshore fishery and the protection of fisheries habitat must be respected as well.”
Mr. Campbell said he worked along side other fishers to protest herring seiners fishing within the 25 fathom line and that, as Minister, he will continue to ensure the line is maintained.