According to the press communiqué released by Canadian government all federal, provincial and territorial fisheries and aquaculture ministers concluded the Ministers’ meeting of the Canadian and Atlantic Councils of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (CCFAM and ACFAM) today in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. At the meeting the ministers agreed to focus on collaboration in four key areas: aquaculture; trade; seafood traceability; and aquatic invasive species. ACFAM Ministers agreed to continue to work collaboratively on these same issues.
The meeting was jointly chaired by the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture for Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Gail Shea, federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. Minister Shea said that it is good to know that all ministers are working collaboratively with the provinces and territories on innovative projects that are key to encouraging the development prospects of our coastal communities.
Minister Jackman is of view that it is a good opportunity to discuss mutually relevant issues, particularly during such a challenging time for the fishing industry. At the meeting, Ministers endorsed the National Aquaculture Strategic Action Plan Initiative (NASAPI), which provides a framework for federal, provincial, and territorial governments to work cooperatively to develop Canada’s potential in the aquaculture sector in an environmentally responsible way and in a manner that respects the jurisdiction of both orders of government. Ministers recognize the important economic benefits this industry provides to coastal communities.
Minister Shea said that the Government has made progress on trade and traceability issues. She added that funds committed in the Government of Canada Budget 2010 will allow us to continue to issue catch certificates to Canadian companies seeking to export fish and seafood products to the European Union and other important markets.
