FISH-NL calls on candidates in federal by-election to take a stand on fishery issues
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, Dec. 1, 2017
The Federation of Independent Sea Harvesters of Newfoundland and Labrador (FISH-NL) is calling on candidates in the upcoming federal byelection of Bonavista-Burin-Trinity to spell out where they stand on five major fishery issues in the riding:
Do you agree with the federal government’s decision to open the south coast (fishing zone 3Ps) cod fishery to offshore draggers?
Do you agree the offshore sector should be removed from the 3Ps cod fishery when the quota falls below 10,000 tonnes?
Do you agree with the decision of the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans to expropriate 25 per cent of the 2018 Arctic surf clam quota and reassign to a yet-to-be-determined Indigenous-led operation?
What is your stand on open pen aquaculture such as the Grieg proposal for Placentia Bay verses closed-containment, land-based fish farming?
Do you plan to make it your priority to ensure DFO establishes comprehensive rebuilding plans, with timelines, for northern cod and all other critically stressed species?
“It’s time for candidates to stand up and be counted in terms of where they stand on key fishery issues in the riding and province,” says Ryan Cleary, President of FISH-NL. “The answers to these questions will help constituents make the most informed decision on where to mark their X.”
Cleary points out that the future of this riding, and, indeed, all of Newfoundland and Labrador, depends on a rebuilt and sustainable fishery.
“With increasing talk of resettlement, all of our NL MPs must take a stronger stand on fishery policy, and set out a strategy to ensure a stronger fishing industry reinvigorates our rural communities.”
FISH-NL’s questions were forwarded today to each of the three candidates, including Liberal Churence Rogers, Conservative Mike Windsor, and New Democrat Tyler Downey.
The by-election is scheduled for Dec. 11th, and FISH-NL requested responses from each of the three camps by Thursday, Dec. 7th.
All responses will be made public.
Contact Ryan Cleary: 682 4862
