MacAdam Pleased with Herring Announcement

Prince Edward Island Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Kevin MacAdam said today he is both pleased and relieved that the herring seiner exclusion zone has been restored to the historic 25-fathom line. Announcement of the decision was made today.

“I am very gratified that the federal government has recognized the need to protect herring stocks, the lobster habitat and the Prince Edward Island inshore fishery,” said Mr. MacAdam. “I want as well to thank the Fishermen’s Association, other groups such as Women for Environmental Sustainability and fishermen from across the province who have peacefully protested in support of restoring the 25-fathom line.”

Mr. MacAdam said that the restoration of the line was one of the issues raised in a legal challenge by the provincial government against the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. “Now that this matter has been resolved, we will continue to press our case to ensure a more fair and equitable allocation of species such as snow crab, gulf and northern shrimp and tuna,” he said. “As minister, I will continue to work hard to ensure that the interests of Prince Edward Island fishermen are recognized and met.”