Minister Shea announces 2009 fisheries management decisions for the Gulf of St. Lawrence

OTTAWA – Gail Shea, Federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, has announced a number of management measures including northern and southern Gulf Cod and sharing arrangements for Group B Gulf Shrimp. “(The) announcements reflect our Government’s commitment to ensuring the long-term economic viability and sustainability of fisheries in the Gulf,” said Shea. “These measures are aimed at rebuilding stocks and increasing fairness and stability for fishers from across the region this year and for seasons to come.”

Minister Shea announced the following management measures for the Gulf of St. Lawrence: •Closure of the directed commercial fishery for southern Gulf cod; •A Total Allowable Catch of 7,000 tonnes for northern Gulf cod; •Direction by the Minister to the department to ensure the targeted removal of grey seals; and •Stabilization for the 2010 fishing season of a permanent allocation for the Group B Gulf shrimp fleet of 13.5% “By taking these steps now to address the health of cod stocks, we are protecting the future of the Gulf fishery. This is the right thing to do,” said Minister Shea.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan also provides a range of measures to assist resource dependent communities during this difficult time by improving access to credit for harvesters, processors and buyers, as well as improvements to many small craft harbours and significant investments in the Coast Guard.