Fisheries Committee on March 3rd, 2009

[Blaine Calkins, Conservative, Wetaskiwin, AB]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I don't know why, but when Mr. Byrne was talking I had the theme song from X-Files in my head. But that's okay; I appreciate that he's passionate about the issue. I can assure you that I always appreciate your interventions, because at least they're spirited.

The question I have for you, Mr. Bevan, deals with NAFO science and research. When I went to the NAFO website I did a little research on that and looked into it. It talks about NAFO adopting a precautionary approach in 2004. It publishes the Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science, and so on. It talks about symposiums and scientific workshops. The data generated by NAFO-related research is reviewed by the NAFO Scientific Council and archived. That's the end of the story.

If it's archived, is that the purpose of the science? Where does it fit in with NAFO regulations and providing insight to the member countries in determining quotas, and so on? I'm sure it must play a role in that.

[David Bevan]

Yes. There's a report made by the scientific council in June of each year. Then the chairman of the scientific council provides that report officially to the fisheries commission in NAFO. The fisheries commission in NAFO then considers that advice in setting TACs, and so on. Sometimes it's followed to the letter; sometimes, like this year, we had decisions made to set the TAC lower, or to not have a fishery. The feeling was that it was not appropriate to open up a fishery at this point. It informs the fisheries commission so they can make informed decisions based on the scientific council's advice.

[Blaine Calkins, Conservative, Wetaskiwin, AB]

In terms of adopting a precautionary approach, how has that changed the management? Since 2004, has there been any measurable change of management in the setting of TACs, and so on?

[David Bevan]

The establishment of a precautionary approach has set what's called conservation limits for stocks. For example, we've seen growth in American plaice, but we have not seen it across the threshold of the conservation limit. Therefore there's no talk about having directed fisheries.

In 3M, the scientific council said both cod and redfish had exceeded the conservation limit, and small fisheries could have been opened. In the past that might have happened, but this time they wanted the fishery to get bigger so it would be more robust when the time came.

It means you don't get into a debate about how much fish you can take. If it's below the conservation limits, you just leave it closed.

[Blaine Calkins, Conservative, Wetaskiwin, AB]

Thank you.

[The Vice-Chair, Liberal, Lawrence MacAulay]

Thank you very much.

We'll adjourn this portion of the meeting.

I want to thank Mr. Bevan, Mr. Beaupré, and Ms. Lapointe for their supporting roles. Mr. Bevan had an active hour and a half.

We'll continue the meeting, as it's not too secretive, and discuss the upcoming meetings we want to put in place. On March 5, for the first hour the committee will consider the James Bay eelgrass report for re-adoption, the adoption of a study on budgets for the seal harvest, the lobster study, and the NAFTA study. For the second hour, Bernard Applebaum and Scott Parsons have confirmed. Bill Rowat and Earl Wiseman are not able to attend.

On March 10, Earl McCurdy and Ray Andrews have confirmed for the NAFTA study. On March 12, the Fisheries Resource Conservation Council has been invited to brief the committee on their report on the lobster fishery. They are working on some logistic issues at their end and should confirm yes or no soon.

Is that agreeable to the committee?

Mr. Byrne.

[Gerry Byrne, Liberal, Humber—St. Barbe—Baie Verte, NL]

It's unfortunate that neither Mr. Rowat nor Mr. Wiseman can attend. Both of those individuals have something specific and direct to offer. Could the committee ask them to provide written submissions on their position about various issues on the proposed amended NAFO convention and their thoughts on the various issues surrounding it?

[The Vice-Chair, Liberal, Lawrence MacAulay]

Is it the agreement of the committee that we propose this?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Vice-Chair, Liberal, Lawrence MacAulay]

Thank you, Mr. Byrne.

Any other business?

The meeting is adjourned.