Provincial government applauds federal Fisheries Act changes

Proposed amendments to the federal Fisheries Act will help ensure a more sustainable fishery for generations to come.

The federal government will invest up to $284.2 million in measures to enhance marine protection and allow the sustainable use of resources. Prince Edward Island Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Robert Henderson welcomed the amendments introduced in the House of Commons this week by Fisheries and Oceans Minister Dominic LeBlanc.

“I am especially pleased to note that the amendments will strengthen front-line fisheries management services and put into legislation the policy to ensure that fishing licenses are owned and controlled by fishers themselves,” Minister Henderson said. “This will help ensure that the fishery will be more sustainable and that the economic benefits of the fishery will remain in the hands of license holders.”

The federal amendments will also create new fisheries management tools to enhance the protection of fish and ecosystems.  

The Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association said in a news release it strongly supports the owner operator and fleet separation policies and will support these policies becoming entrenched in federal legislation.

Fishing and aquaculture contributes approximately $550 million to the Prince Edward Island economy and accounts for 8,500 jobs.    

Media contact:

Wayne MacKinnon

wemackinnon@gov.pe.ca