Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair said today he continues to seek a more fair and equitable allocation of fish stocks for Prince Edward Island. He was responding to recent management decisions by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) on the allocation of Southern Gulf cod, Atlantic halibut and Northern shrimp.
The decision means there will be no directed cod fishery, although the charter boat fishery will be able to land cod in August as part of the recreational fishery. Prince Edward Island has received an increased allocation of quota for Atlantic halibut from 5.0 metric tonnes in 2008 to 18.5 tonnes in 2009. The Prince Edward Island temporary allocation of Northern shrimp remains at 1,500 metric tonnes, although Canada’s share has been increased by approximately 25 percent to roughly 25,000 tonnes.
“I am obviously pleased that we have been able to achieve an increased allocation for halibut, and that the charter boat fishery for cod will be maintained,” said Minister LeClair. “I am disappointed that our request for an increase and permanent allocation of Northern shrimp has been denied. I will continue to press the federal government for a fair and equitable share of fish stocks in the region for Prince Edward Island fishers.”
Minister LeClair expressed concern about the state of the cod fishery in the Southern Gulf. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has allocated 300 metric tonnes to allow for a recreational and sentinel fishery and will continue to collect data on the stock. The Minister said DFO needs to develop a plan to address the impact of seals on future efforts to rebuild the cod stocks.
On the Northern shrimp allocation, Minister LeClair said that despite the increase in Canada’s share, Prince Edward Island’s allocation remains the same as last year, and the province has not been given a permanent allocation. He said that in the year 2000, Prince Edward Island received 1,500 tonnes which was 30 percent of Canada’s share but the level has not been increased since.
“I will continue to work hard on behalf of Prince Edward Island fishers to obtain a rightful increase in allocation of these and other stocks,” said Minister LeClair. “Our goal is to achieve a more diversified fishery and one that will provide more commercial opportunities for fishers and processors.”