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THE Canadian Council of fishery and aquaculture ministers has pledged to better manage the country’s three coasts and its inland waterways ‘for the benefit of every citizen’.
The provincial and territorial fishery leaders have just published a statement saying they are committed to working together to ensure that fisheries and aquaculture sectors thrive and remain sustainable and healthy, providing meaningful employment and economic opportunities for indigenous people and all Canadians.
The ministers met recently in the Yukon town of Whitehorse to discuss a broad range of common priorities under the chairmanship of fisheries minister Dominic LeBlanc.
Canada exported a record $6.6 billion in fish and seafood products in 2016, with 65 per cent ($4.3 billion) going to the US.
The council members discussed the review of the Federal Fisheries Act and agreed to work together to develop a comprehensive aquaculture policy this year.
They also said they would work cooperatively to combat the threat of aquatic invasive species that have had significant impacts on certain fish stocks native to Canada.
LeBlanc said: ‘My provincial and territorial colleagues and I are committed to working together to maintain and expand markets for Canada’s excellent fish and seafood products to create more jobs and economic opportunities across the country.
‘Making sure our fisheries continue to be sustainable and our oceans, coasts and waterways remain healthy in the present and the future is a top priority.’