Hearn announces policy guidelines for enterprise combining in N.L.

ST. JOHN’S – Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans announced on Feb. 21 that DFO is ready to implement a new enterprise combining policy for fish harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Since the original announcement of the enterprise combining policy in April, 2007 we have met with fish harvesters throughout the province to discuss its implementation. We have listened carefully to their views and I’m pleased to announce these policy guidelines in time for harvesters to prepare for the 2008 fishing season” stated Hearn.

“The enterprise combining policy gives those on the water, in their boats, greater control of their economic future and greater opportunity to decide for themselves their place in this industry.”

The introduction of a new enterprise combining policy represents a significant step forward in how the Newfoundland and Labrador fishery is managed.

“The steps we have taken today give harvesters the flexibility to grow their enterprise while allowing others to leave the industry on their own terms,” stated Hearn. “This fleet rationalization plan will increase the income levels for current harvesters and attract the next generation of fish harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Under the new policy, individual Independent core enterprise holders can buy another core enterprise for the purpose of combining. This transaction must result in the removal of one core enterprise, a vessel registration and any duplicate species licences.

Individual harvesters will be able to acquire an entire enterprise or share the purchase of an enterprise with another fish harvester. However, they will not be able to acquire more than two times the maximum individual quota level for a given species in their fleet.

The new enterprise combining policy will include a bridging mechanism for vessels in the over 40’ fleet in 2008 who have already committed to quota arrangements based on last year’s temporary measures.

“I have heard the viewpoint of harvesters on this issue and the new policy will include an option to apply for this bridging mechanism this year,” said Hearn.

Fish harvesters will have to sign a new declaration saying they understand the temporary nature of the bridging arrangement and that this bridging arrangement will not be available beyond 2008.

Given concerns raised by fish harvesters with the lobster fishery in Fortune Bay and fixed gear enterprises on the west coast, enterprise combining in these areas will be placed on hold until the management approach for these fisheries is complete.

Complete implementation guidelines for enterprise combining are now available on the DFO Newfoundland and Labrador Region website and will be available at local DFO offices in the coming weeks.