Opposition says fishery quota cuts and government inaction worrisome    

Marshall Dean, MHA for The District of the Straits-White Bay North and Opposition Critic for Fisheries, says the long-term impact of recent federal quota cuts on the province, and in particular the Northern Peninsula region, is cause for concern and he is urging the provincial fisheries minister to stay vigilant and proactive to monitor and be ready to address the fall-out.

Dean raised the issue in the House of Assembly today outlining the many aspects of the fishery crisis that has hit enterprises and communities especially hard.  There has been a 28 per cent cut in the Gulf Shrimp quota in Area 6, a 40 per cent slash in the Northern Gulf Cod quota and the Gulf crab quota has been reduced by 63 per cent.  Additionally, a shortened turbot fishery, dismal lobster and seal fisheries, together with low catch rates and prices have also dealt blows to the fishing industry.

“The overall impact of these hits have yet to be realized, and with more cuts in our resource quota  expected next year, there is a need for the provincial government to work more closely and frequently with the federal government to have a game plan in place to protect workers and rural communities,” says Dean. “It is not good enough to have an occasional meeting with the federal minister or a letter sent in her direction.  In fact, I urge the government to immediately initiate a federal-provincial task force to monitor this whole situation and be ready to act to lessen hardship and strengthen coastal communities.”

The MHA also again raised the issue of Jackson’s Arm shrimp plant not opening this season, leaving 120 workers worried about their future. “These plant workers deserve a more substantial and timely response than government is providing;  but I am also concerned that this plant is a snapshot of the bigger picture that will play out in the coming months and years, especially if the MOU process makes headway towards its goals.

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