Thank you, Mr. Chair.
The Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Association would like to thank the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans for the opportunity to provide input on potential changes to the Fisheries Act of Canada. This important document is vital in keeping our ocean resources viable for current and future generations.
Today, Captain Jenkins and I, on behalf of our 1,260 captains, will present what we feel are important, critical and relevant changes that will assist in keeping our ocean resources healthy and sustainable.
The current fisheries regulatory regime is extensive and complicated. However, above all, it is important that the resource wins while contributing to the continued existence and vibrancy of coastal communities.
Today, we would like to highlight the following high-level points. We are very receptive to expanding on these points in the question and answer period that follows today's opening remarks.
This list is meant to be comprehensive, but is by no means complete. With meaningful harvester discussion and pragmatic approaches, workable solutions can be obtained. In addition, any regulatory changes need to be supported with effective and practical regulations that will reinforce these initiatives. We support the following initiatives:
Number one, the resource must come first.
Number two is the “one licence in, one licence out” approach to maintain equilibrium in terms of not adding additional effort in the fishery.
Number three is boots on the boat: direct operational involvement of owner-operators and first nation vessels that are crewed by band members. This keeps the financial proceeds from fishing in our local communities.
Number four is for the same seasons for all harvesters. “Same seasons” has a direct correlation with the protection of the resource and the resource coming first.
Number five is consistent and transparent enforcement of the Fisheries Act for all harvesters.
Number six is for all harvesters to be part of nation-to-nation discussions concerning our ocean resources and how they will be managed.
Number seven is mandatory use of electronic logs for all primary species fisheries.
Number eight is the declaration of our Canadian seafood as a critical North American resource. The protections that have been recently put in place for Canadian critical minerals should be extended to our Canadian seafood. Alliances with global security partners should be created and formalized.
Number nine, revise the current new entrant criteria so that the many men and women who seek a future in the fishery can gain valuable experience and enter the industry when they are ready.
Number 10, allow more flexible partnership agreements so that expensive hard assets are utilized more efficiently. In addition, this process must be simplified from an administrative perspective to gain wider adoption.
Number 11, reorganize the substitute operator policy to be more flexible to meet the needs of everyday life. We need appropriate allowances for time off without lessening the strength of owner-operator requirements.
The oversight of a resource that is literally fluid in all aspects is not an easy one. Currently, we are see seeing fractured relationships and resource exploitation by some that see the ocean as a source of short-term gain at the expense of the resource and the future.
There are very encouraging signs that the next generation is keen on continuing the life of their ancestors. We collectively have a responsibility to get this right and currently, communication between government and all harvesters is lacking. We must come together with a goal of a clear, transparent and articulate fisheries act.
Our most current challenge is the current uncertainty that surrounds many aspects of the fishery. We require expanded dialogue amongst all parties that count on this valuable resource for our livelihoods. As legislators and decision-makers, we all need to do our part in implementing practical solutions to complex challenges. Let's make the changes that will benefit all harvesters and communities.
Thank you again for this opportunity. Captain Jenkins and I would be glad to address any questions at the appropriate time in today's session.