Responding to recent management decisions by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) on the allocation of Southern Gulf cod, Atlantic halibut and Northern shrimp, LeClair said that the decision means there will be no directed cod fishery, although the charter boat fishery will be able to land cod in August as part of the recreational fishery.
He told that Prince Edward Island has received an increased allocation of quota for Atlantic halibut from 5.0 metric tonnes in 2008 to 18.5 tonnes in 2009. He also said tha the P.E.I. temporary allocation of Northern shrimp remains at 1,500 metric tonnes, although Canada’s share has been increased by approximately 25 percent to roughly 25,000 tonnes.
LeClair told that the authority has denied their request for an increase and permanent allocation of northern shrimp. He said that he will continue to press the federal government for a fair and equitable share of fish stocks in the region for Prince Edward Island fishers. He expressed concern about the state of the cod fishery in the Southern Gulf. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has allocated 300 metric tonnes to allow for a recreational and sentinel fishery and will continue to collect data on the stock.
As per the Minister DFO needs to develop a plan to address the impact of seals on future efforts to rebuild the cod stocks. He said that on the northern shrimp allocation despite the increase in Canada’s share, Prince Edward Island’s allocation remains the same as last year, and the province has not been given a permanent allocation.
