Federal cuts in the budget of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for science do not make any sense, says Prince Edward Island Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair.
”I am extremely concerned that the budget cuts will jeopardize efforts to ensure a more sustainable fishery,” said Mr. LeClair. “The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has the mandate to manage fish stocks in Canadian waters, and we need additional resources, not less, to ensure the sound management of the fishery.”
The recent federal budget announced cuts of $57 million and 275 jobs in the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Of the cuts, $17.5 million are from the science budget. The cuts mean less frequent science assessment on fisheries species and a reduction in the review of management plans.
“With many of our species, understanding of the stocks is limited,” said Mr. LeClair. “There are already enough examples where poor understanding of the resource has led to a disaster.”
Mr. LeClair said that for species such as lobster, snow crab and herring the science effort needs to be sustained. For species such as halibut and tuna, more resources for science and stock assessment are needed. The minister said he would also like to see a DFO science presence in Prince Edward Island for species such as Irish moss and furcellaria to better manage the resource for its job and economic benefits.
The minister said that the provincial fisheries department is already supporting the collection of resource information in the lobster and herring fisheries, and he is concerned that the cuts to the federal department may create additional pressure for the province and the industry. The minister also said he does not want to see cuts to the sentinel fishery.
“The fishery continues to be impacted by the state of the economy and adding financial burden at this time would place further constraints on the industry,” said Mr. LeClair. “I am calling on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to live up to its responsibilities by providing the financial and human resources to ensure that this vital part of our economy is sustained and continues to grow and develop.”