Minister Shea Appoints New Members to the Fisheries Resource Council of Canada
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced the appointment of Mrs. Lina Condo, Mr. Lewis Creed, Dr. Bruce Hatcher, Mr. Michael O'Connor and Mr. Derek Butler, as well as the re-appointment of Mr. Donald Walker as members to the Fisheries Resource Conservation Council (FRCC), reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
"I am pleased that these experienced and knowledgeable individuals have agreed to serve as members of the FRCC," said Minister Shea. "I know the Department will benefit from their expertise and knowledge on fisheries and resource sustainability."
FRCC members are appointed based on their individual merits rather than to represent organizations or geographical areas. However, members are sought from each of the five East Coast provinces.
The FRCC recently began a new study of the Atlantic Canada groundfish fishery. It has been asked by the Minister to provide advice to support management of a successful, sustainable and enduring fishery. Guided by Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Sustainable Fisheries Framework, the FRCC is examining the current state of these resources, and considering the conditions necessary to achieve and maintain a sustainable groundfish fishery.
The Council will provide the Minister with strategic recommendations on the following issues:
Introduction of structured decision-making systems,
Protection of sensitive benthic habitat and biodiversity,
Maintenance of effective and efficient governance and management regimes, and
Development of economically sustainable enterprises with the ability to meet existing and emerging market demands.
The work of the Council at this strategic level will assist and provide direction to the government and the industry as they work together to implement needed tactical measures and changes on a fishery-specific basis.
"This government is committed to rebuilding and protecting cod and other groundfish stocks. I look forward to receiving the Council's advice and expertise on this important issue and to continuing to work closely with all stakeholders to support a prosperous Atlantic fishery," said Minister Shea.
The FRCC was created in 1993 as an arm's-length advisory body that provides the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans with direct access to experts and leaders from different fields and from the East Coast fishing industry. Its independence and diversity provide the Minister and the Department with objective insight into areas that pertain to fisheries and resource sustainability. Participation by provincial government delegates contributes to harmonized planning and action. The Council's consultative process allows the possibility for individual harvesters, processors and NGOs to provide personal views on the future of the resource.