The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Loyola O’Driscoll, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture:

Speaker, the cod fishery holds strong historical and traditional significance for Newfoundland and Labrador. The recent northern cod stock assessment from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, as well as the results of the Newfoundland and Labrador food fishery survey, are welcome news.

Speaker, over the past few months, I have written to and spoken with the federal minister about the importance of cod and the province’s food fishery, and I have a meeting scheduled with the federal minister at the end of this week.

This government appreciates the importance of balancing sustainability and long-term socio-economic benefits for our province based on the best available science. However, it is equally important that the cod fishery be equitable and fair for all harvesters.

Given the stock remains healthy and as quotas increase, consideration should be given to increasing the limit for individual fisheries, provided it is done in a sustainable fashion.

Greater flexibility in scheduling, including an expanded season and additional fishing dates, would allow harvesters to fish in safer, more favourable weather conditions. This will also help address cost-of-living pressures.

Together, these measures would enhance flexibility, increase participation and strengthen the role of this traditional fishery for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

We look forward to increased collaboration on joint management of the fishing industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you.