Hedley Butler, an FFAW board member and a staunch supporter for increased cod quotas, was delighted to know that the Fisheries Ministry is ready to talk the issue with FFAW. He already attended the meeting that was held on February 21. He said that it was necessary to let the minister know that a quota of 3,000 pounds was not nearly enough. He informed that the minister was not ready to change its position. He also informed the minister about the abundance of fish in Bonavista’s waters.
In the meeting FFAW not only emphasized the abundance of cod, but also told how other fisheries were affected-that cod is becoming a nuisance because of by-catches. He said that the FFAW members consistently saying the minister that the stock of cod has increased and so they want bigger quotas.
According to Butler higher quota is necessary to meet the swelling prices of everything related to the fishery. And the fishermen are not the only people who would benefit from an increased quota, says Butler. On the contrary it will increased the economic growth of the Bonavista.
However, the minister didn’t make any promises to the group but Butler said that the minister is considering their point and might increase the quotas this year. The FFAW has conveyed its message to the minister that they do not want to destroy the cod fishery and so they are hoping to get higher quotas of cod this season.
