Evidence of meeting #36 for Fisheries and Oceans in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was within.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

David Balfour  Acting Assistant Deputy Minister, Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, Department of Fisheries and Oceans
Guy Beaupré  Acting Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, Department of Fisheries and Oceans

5:30 p.m.

Acting Assistant Deputy Minister, Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, Department of Fisheries and Oceans

David Balfour

Because we are operating under the 1978 convention, the Faroe Islands have objected and they've established a quota for 3L shrimp that is 10 times the quota established by NAFO. This quota was set out for everyone on the basis of historic shares and uses. This has carried on for five years, and under present circumstances it would just continue to carry on. It will likely be an issue of greater concern in the future, because we're starting to receive new scientific advice suggesting the possibility of an ecosystem shift that could result in a reduction in biomass and fishing opportunity in the Atlantic.

Under the new process, they would have to provide a reason for objecting. They would have to give an explanation of how, during the resolution of their objection, they would ensure that they would respect the conservation objectives of NAFO, that their activity would not put the resource at risk, and that they would be operating according to scientific advice.

So this would be different. We would be looking to remedies and making sure that all parties were acting in a responsible manner towards the resource and the people who share it, with the understanding that those who have worked to rebuild the resource through sacrifice of their fishing industries should have the opportunity to benefit from their efforts.

5:30 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Rodney Weston

Thank you, gentlemen, for appearing before our committee today. Our time has expired.

The meeting is adjourned.