“While Canada has a vibrant fishing industry, all sectors including the marine, aquaculture and recreational components still face challenges.  This meeting gives provinces and territories across our country an opportunity to discuss and work cooperatively with the federal government to resolve issues and concerns,” said Minister Fage.

“This is the first time I have participated in a meeting of the Canadian Council and I am pleased to note the level of cooperation and the progress that has been made on key issues,” Minister Thibault said. “There are a number of joint initiatives currently under way that demonstrate how well Canada works when all its partners work together.”

Balancing the use and management of the oceans was an important and timely item of discussion, given the global concern around protecting oceans resources and rebuilding depleted fish stocks as demonstrated at the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg. The sustainable management of ocean resources is a responsibility shared by all levels of government. The CCFAM task group on oceans provided a progress report on the first year of its mandate and Ministers agreed to work towards implementing the objectives of Canada’s Oceans Strategy. The strategy outlines a broad strategic approach to oceans management and emphasizes the need for collaboration and cooperation between governments.

The aquaculture industry is a vital and dynamic partner in the sustainable development of our waters. Ministers reviewed the work of the task group that was instrumental in developing a comprehensive Canadian Action Plan for Aquaculture. The plan ensures that provincial, territorial and federal policies and regulations complement each other. It also sets out objectives to strengthen the industry’s competitiveness, and to ensure that aquaculture operations are environmentally sustainable and do not compromise the health of wild stocks. Ministers agreed on the importance of developing a collaborative National Aquatic Animal Health program. That program will protect our export markets and maintain Canada’s reputation for producing safe, high quality seafood. Provincial ministers also stressed the importance of efficient and timely processes for site access.

Ministers gave approval-in-principle to the updated National Freshwater Fisheries Strategy and delivery of the intergovernmental implementation plan for 2002-03. These documents set out cooperative objectives and actions to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of Canada’s freshwater fisheries and habitat. Ministers also directed the task group to continue its consultations with key stakeholders and aboriginal groups on the national strategy and implementation plan. Quebec is not part of this task group because it has its own policies, which work towards similar objectives.

Recreational fishing is a significant economic activity in Canada and Ministers recognized the need to promote and sustain this popular activity and the industry which it supports. The recreational fisheries task group has already initiated several positive projects to enhance the social, cultural, and economic benefits of recreational fishing in Canada. Recognizing there have been declines in the number of anglers, the task group was directed to explore opportunities for additional partnerships between industry, non-governmental organizations and governments to further promote recreational fishing and conservation of recreational species beginning with a workshop scheduled for November 2002.

The introductions and transfers task group will soon begin the final phase of the 18-month review period, and finalize the Code on Introductions and Transfers of Aquatic Organisms for ministerial approval in 2003. Committees will conduct reviews across Canada and data obtained will be submitted to a national registry on a quarterly basis. Fisheries and Oceans Canada will finalize the database for the National Registry on Introductions and Transfers over the next few months.

Invasive aquatic species in Canadian waters is a concern. Ministers agreed to direct a new task group to look into reducing the risks posed by the introduction of these species in Canadian waters. Once established, invasive aquatic species, such as zebra mussels, the round goby or clubbed tunicate, are very difficult to eradicate. Their long-term impact on fisheries and aquaculture activities often results in substantial social and economic impacts to Canadians.

Ministers endorsed the proposed future steps for the capacity management task group. The work of this group aims to fulfill Canada’s commitment to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization to achieve efficient, equitable and transparent management of fishing capacity. This has provided an opportunity for the different levels of government to work together on an issue of global importance. Consultation with fishing industry participants will be an important component of this process.

Cooperation among governments has improved since 1999 when the Agreement on Interjurisdictional Cooperation came into effect. Ministers approved a framework and a process to review this agreement to determine what is working well, and where improvements are required. A report will be submitted to Ministers for approval at the next annual meeting of the CCFAM in September 2003.