OTTAWA, ONTARIO – The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today issued the following statement:
"As the new Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, I am committed to the long-term sustainability and prosperity of Canadian fisheries across the country.
"I recognize the devastating effects the collapse of the groundfish industry had on Atlantic Canada. The impact it had on the economy and the way of life for the people in our region was indefinable. While we now see the recovery of the economy through other industries, I know that the region still mourns the loss of groundfish and the way of life they sustained for generations.
"That is why I am so pleased to see the early signs of recovery in the groundfish stocks on the Eastern Scotian shelf recently noted by Dr. Kenneth Frank. The positive signs in this area may be an indicator for growth in other areas in Atlantic waters and we can be encouraged by these findings. However, continued vigilance and conservation efforts by all partners is required to ensure the continued growth of the stocks."
Source: Fisheries and Oceans Canada
