Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.
In the ever evolving Newfoundland fisheries, fishermen are being hampered by out of date regulations. In particular now that individual quotas are in place, there is no need for length restrictions on vessels so as to limit the harvesting.
Three fishermen from Petty Harbour, Messrs. Howlett, Chafe and Madden, are being forced to cut four feet off a recently purchased vessel. Conforming to the old regulations will cost them an additional $10,000, as well as force them to fish in a less safe boat.
For the safety of these and other fishermen, will the minister authorize temporary vessel registrations for 1999?