Fisheries and Environment minister Kevin MacAdam said that Prince Edward Island has gained greater stability of access to the lucrative snow crab fishery. The 1997 Snow Crab Management Plan was released today by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
"Prince Edward Island was among those who originally developed the snow crab fishery in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in the 1960s and since we were allowed re-entry in 1985, there were years when fishermen from this province experienced real difficulty accessing their allocation due to stock fluctuations in Areas 25 and 26," said Mr. MacAdam. "After years of effort, I am extremely pleased that stability of access has finally been achieved."
Mr. MacAdam said the provincial position called for establishment of the recent historical share of six percent of the snow crab allocation, removal of the zonal lines to allow fishermen to obtain their allocation on a more stable basis and the sharing of the resource with non-traditional fishermen if and when the resource levels allowed.
"I am pleased that elements of all three are in the 1997 plan," he said. "While the percentage for the coming season is not what we were seeking, it has to be weighed against the whole package. I am also pleased that real sharing with non-traditional fishermen is now part of the plan but I am concerned that the sharing levels are not as high as some would want."
The minister said discussions over the past two weeks with the federal department resulted in improvements over the original proposals with regard to the level of sharing. He also said he was pleased that the quotas for exploratory areas E and F are not part of the Zone 12 allocation but are established separately.
"The snow crab fishery is extremely important to Prince Edward Island as it provides a good deal of economic and employment benefits and spinoffs," said Mr. MacAdam. "Today's announcement will form the basis of a sound management strategy for the next five years and will enable the industry to make early plans for the upcoming season."
For more information contact: Dave Younker at 368-5252