Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Walter Bradley today expressed pleasure that a decision on the sharing of the temporary allocation of snow crab has been reached by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Under the management plan for 1996, 435 metric tonnes were allocated to Prince Edward Island, and DFO has now announced how that allocation will be shared among groundfish-dependent fishermen and bonafide/core fishermen. The decision was made by DFO after the Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Association and the Groundfish Association were unable to reach agreement over sharing the allocation.
"I am very pleased that this matter has finally been resolved and that the temporary snow crab fishery here can proceed," said Mr. Bradley. "This fishery makes an important contribution to the economy and to processors and plant workers."
Last year, the temporary allocation accounted for an extra $5-6 million in landed value. The allocation last year from Area 12 was 600 metric tonnes.
Mr. Bradley said he was pleased with federal fisheries minister Fred Mifflin's decision which responds to Prince Edward Island's desire for a sharing of the resource from the mid-shore area.
"I want to thank the minister for his continued commitment to the sharing of this valuable resource," said Mr. Bradley.
A draw will be held in the near future to select fishermen to participate this year. Those who held temporary permits last year are ineligible.
Mr. Bradley said his department attempted to mediate the dispute, and was pleased that DFO was able to base its decision on information from that process. He congratulated local and regional DFO officials for their role in bringing the matter to a successful conclusion.
"I look forward to an early draw and finally getting on with the season," said the minister.