More Input Needed Before Fishery Closures Implemented
I have recently been watching the federal government in Ottawa and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans from the comfort of my home.
“Robust, science-based, coherent measures to protect these highly endangered North Atlantic right whales. We’re really playing Russian roulette with the entire future of the Canadian fish and seafood industry,” Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc was quoted to say.
Very strong words. But wait a minute. Don’t we live in Canada? What about our ...
Federal Government Updates Ocean Protection Initiatives
With the longest coastline in the world, the Pacific, Arctic and Atlantic oceans have been part of Canadians’ way of life for centuries and they have helped to build Canada’s history and sustain our economy over generations.
We all want our oceans to remain productive, sustainable and able to support healthy marine ecosystems and coastal communities. As Canada’s Oceans Minister, these are priorities for me and this Oceans Day is an opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments and ...
Those Criticizing Arctic Clam Award are Ignoring History of the Fishery
I feel compelled to write to you to provide some clarification on a number of items related to the Arctic surf clam fishery that I feel are not being presented in recent news articles.
These show, in my opinion, that the Minister of Fisheries, Dominic LeBlanc, made an informed and correct decision and that some of the claims being made about the negative impacts of this decision are being overstated in an effort to undermine the minister’s decision.
What is not being reported is the ...
Legal Action and Controversy Follow Awarding of Arctic Surf Clam License
When Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced his intention last fall to introduce a fourth license for Arctic surf clams, representing 25 per cent of the total allowable catch (TAC), speculation and controversy quickly followed.
And that controversy came to a head Feb. 21 when LeBlanc announced, to the surprise of many industry stakeholders, that the new license for Arctic surf clams would be going to the newly created Five Nations Clam Company.
The minister said the Five Nations ...
Surf Clam Decision a Massive Failure on the Part of Fisheries Minister
The recent decision to award 25 per cent of the Arctic surf clam quota in Canada to a bidder consisting of a small company in Nova Scotia and five unknown indigenous band partners in Atlantic Canada appears to be a massive failure.
The decision by Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc has pitted region against region, has pitted various first nation’s groups against each other, has crippled a multi-million-dollar investment in the fishery by Clearwater and quite possibly will significantly ...
Federal Government Unveils Plan for Protecting Right Whales
Last year, an unprecedented number of right whales died in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
To protect these whales from further harm, the Government of Canada put urgent measures in place, which included shutting down the snow crab fishery in the area to minimize gear entanglements, increasing surveillance, and implementing a slowdown on large vessels to avoid collisions. Today, Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, ...
Minister Announces Changes to the Fisheries Act
On February 6, Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard announced amendments to the Fisheries Act that would restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards to protect our fish and their habitat for generations to come.
LeBlanc said the Government of Canada is putting in place better rules to protect the environment.
“To preserve, protect and help restore our environment we need a Fisheries Act that Canadians can trust. Today, I am pleased ...
We Need to Enhance Atlantic Canada’s Fisheries
Demand for Canada’s seafood exports should continue to grow dramatically, as Asian markets remain strong and European markets open up under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the EU.
Yet many leaders in the seafood industry in Atlantic Canada fear fisheries policies may be adapted in a way that creates instability in the industry and compromises investment and economic growth.
In a speech last summer in Nova Scotia, Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc hinted at far-rea...
On the Waterfront – March 2018
North Atlantic Fish and Workboat Show Returns November 16-17
The North Atlantic Fish and Workboat Show returns to Mile One Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland this fall.
Taking place November 16-17, 2018, this year marks the sixth edition of this biennial event.
After a record-breaking edition in 2016 — featuring more than 100 exhibitors and nearly 4,000 qualified visitors over the course of two days — this year’s event is expected to surpass all previous expectations.
...
DFO Awards New Arctic Surf Clam License
On Feb. 21. Federal Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced that a new license for Arctic surf clam will be issued to the Five Nations Clam Company.
This decision will significantly enhance Indigenous participation in the offshore fishery in Atlantic Canada.
The Five Nations Clam Company is a new entity that will be comprised of First Nations from Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick. This entity will partner with Premium Seafoods to ...
