Cooperating on managing our shared ocean has emerged as one of the key outcomes of the meeting of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers.
Speaking from Newport, Rhode Island where he is participating in the 30th annual meeting, Premier Binns emphasized the importance, particularly to Prince Edward Island, of enhancing regional cooperation on oceans management.
“The health of our oceans is an important environmental and economic issue. The adverse effects of invasive species on the fishery, the slow return of traditional species such as cod, and rising sea levels should be a concern to all of us. These challenges are having material impacts on our communities,” said Premier Binns.
Recognizing that these issues are regional in nature, Premiers and Governors committed to working together on marine and oceans-related research and development, combating invasive species, disease identification and control, environmental concerns, data sharing and technological development.
Premier Binns relayed that his government is developing a provincial coastal and oceans network. The aim of the network is to seek improved cooperation and linkages between relevant government departments, the fishery and aquaculture industries, and interested non-governmental organizations.
“I will be raising the issue of oceans management with the federal government. There is a real need to step up our collective efforts to better understand the challenges and find sustainable solutions,” said Binns.
At the Conference, Premiers and Governors received several presentations on oceans management, including one from Dr. Franck Berthe, Associate Professor at the Atlantic Veterinary College and the Canada Research Chair in Aquatic Health Sciences.
The AVC professor spoke to Premiers and Governors about his international experience in oceans health and related this to the challenges that this region is facing. Dr. Berthe outlined ocean management models commonly utilized in other regions of the globe, including Europe and Asia.
Premiers and Governors will spend the remainder of the conference working on issues related to energy and trade.