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November 6, 2006 FRCC HOLDS A TWO DAY FOCUS GROUP MEETING IN HALIFAX Halifax, N.S. – The Fisheries Resource Conservation Council (FRCC) completed its consultation process on the long-term Conservation Framework for Atlantic Lobster with a two day Focus Group meeting in Halifax. The Focus group meeting is the latest in a series of steps taken by the Council in the preparation of its review of the lobster fishery. The review was commissioned by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and will provide recommendations on measures to enhance the long-term conservation and sustainability of the Atlantic lobster fishery. The purpose of the Focus Group meeting was to seek the views of experienced fishermen and processors on the concerns, opportunities and options noted from the 20 public consultations the Council held in the spring and fall of 2006. The meeting consisted of 35 fishermen and processors from throughout Atlantic Canada and Québec, 11 Council members as well as provincial and Fisheries and Oceans officials. Participants discussed four main issues - Resource and Environment, Fishing Effort , Enforcement and Management Regimes. Members of the Council facilitated the various discussions and plenary sessions. “This is a valuable meeting for us fishermen” commented John Boyd, a fisherman from lobster fishing area 26A. “The forum encouraged fishermen’s input which is to the benefit of the Council. Fishermen also gained new knowledge by sharing ideas and practices experienced elsewhere. It’s a win-win situation for the industry as well as for the Council.” Jean Guy d’Entremont, Chairman of the Council and a fish harvester/processor from West Pubnico, Nova Scotia, was very encouraged by the results of the session. “Many constructive ideas and options were brought forward for Council’s consideration,” noted Mr. d’Entremont. Mr. Mario Déraspe, a fisherman from the Magdalen Islands also supported the focus group meeting. “The 1995 Atlantic Lobster Conservation Framework was a very useful guide to ensure that fishermen from the Islands adopt measures to ensure a viable fishery for the future and I am convinced the review now being completed will help guide the industry for the next ten years.” Over the next few weeks, the Council will continue to receive comments and ideas regarding the conservation of the lobster resource. Its report will be made available in the latter part of spring 2007. More information on the FRCC can be found on the Council web site at www.frcc-ccrh.ca. -30- Fisheries Resource Conservation Council Secretariat |
