“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting economic development in Canada’s North, including a sustainable commercial fishery,” said Minister Shea. “Today’s decision supports this promise by increasing Nunavut’s turbot allocation. The sharing arrangement also meets our commitment to provide Nunavik Inuit with fishing opportunities as set out in their land claim agreement.”
Increasing economic opportunities in Nunavut is key to Canada’s Northern Strategy, which was announced in March 2008. Prime Minister Stephen Harper has noted Nunavut’s interest in increasing opportunities for its residents in commercial fisheries in waters adjacent to the territory. This commitment was further strengthened in August 2009 when the Prime Minister visited Pangnirtung to announce the construction of a new small craft harbour for the territory’s growing fishing industry.
The NAFO Division 0B Greenland halibut stock is part of a shared stock between Denmark (Greenland) and Canada. The total TAC for the region for the upcoming fishery is 14,000 tonnes, split evenly between the two countries. The decision to increase the TAC by 3,000 tonnes was based on a stock assessment by the NAFO Scientific Council.
Canadian participants in the NAFO 0B Division fishery include fishers from Nunavut, Nunavik, Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia. Prior to making its decision on TAC and sharing options, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) held consultations with stakeholders, including the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board (NWMB).
