Thank you, Chair.
The Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Association would like to thank the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance for the opportunity to present our comments for the 2023-24 federal pre-budget consultations.
We would like to suggest and present investment strategies that would assist the harvesting sector in adapting to climate change impacts and reducing our carbon footprint while preserving prosperity in our coastal communities.
The PEIFA represents the interests of 1,288 independent businesses on Prince Edward Island. Each of our owner-operator captains has a significant financial investment in their operations, which translates into a direct connection with our fishery and the desire to improve it now and for future generations. Our fishery, along with agriculture and tourism, is one of the top three economic drivers of the Prince Edward Island economy. Proportionately, the fishery on P.E.I. has one of the highest contribution percentages to provincial GDP when compared with other provincial fisheries in Canada.
As the past two years have shown us in Atlantic Canada and all parts of the country, we are experiencing climatic impacts not seen in our lifetimes. In an effort to address some of these impacts, we would like to solicit direct funding for four specific areas.
Number one is a reduction in the number of licences for some species through a targeted licence buy-back program.
Number two is scientific research to assess offshore area impacts of tropical storm Fiona on P.E.I.
Number three is cost sharing to enable fishing vessels to transition to emissions-reducing technologies.
Number four is funding for scientific research to establish baseline data in fishing areas where on-water wind generation is proposed.
A fleet sustainability program would reduce overall fuel consumption and the amount of gear in the water. The past five years have shown that ocean conditions can change rapidly in our coastal ocean environments. This is a direct reference to the change in the North Atlantic right whale migration routes in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Significant reductions could be achieved if match funding or loan guarantees were in place.
A minimum 50% reduction in groundfish, tuna, herring and mackerel licences would achieve the impact that is required to put these fisheries in line with available quota. From an environmental perspective, fuel reduction for tuna alone would be as follows: between 200 and 400 litres of fuel are consumed on the average trip. A realistic projection would be three to five trips per boat, which would reduce fuel consumption by between 175,000 and 350,000 litres per year.
Although tropical storm Fiona is now in the past, during the past spring several areas of Prince Edward Island experienced lobster catch drops in the range of 35% to 40%. We require funding for targeted research to determine if this is a one-year or a multi-year impact. We understand that similar studies were conducted in southwest Nova Scotia following hurricane Dorian. Full impacts may not be identified for five to seven years in relation to the growth cycle of lobster.
In terms of cost sharing for carbon-reducing technology, the PEIFA will conduct trials of diesel-electric hybrid units this spring under actual fishing conditions. In addition, other lower-cost technologies that are being tested may also lead to fuel savings and reduced emissions. Funding that assists in wider-scale adaptations can lead to significant reductions across the commercial fleet. These types of support programs have been made available in other sectors such as the grocery sector.
As a fishing organization, we are becoming increasingly aware of plans to install offshore windmills on the coast of Canada. Although these discussions are in the early stages, we would like to request that funding be allocated to establish baseline data for areas that are determined to be preferred locations. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and industry associations have advised the PEIFA that these units will impact the marine areas that they are located in. A pre-emptive funding framework is required so that science-based decisions can be made in terms of where these units may be located. Particular attention must be paid to any primary fishing grounds that could be under consideration.
Again, the PEIFA appreciates the opportunity to present to the finance committee, and we ask that serious consideration be given to our requests. I would be glad to answer any questions the committee may have.
I'll just make a point of clarification, Mr. Chair. We didn't attach any dollar amounts, but we will do a written submission with some suggested funding amounts for the committee.