News Release Archive
FISHERIES--MINISTER WELCOMES ANNOUNCEMENT ----------------------------------------------------------------- Nova Scotia Fisheries Minister Jim Barkhouse said he welcomes the announcement by federal Fisheries and Oceans to open a recreational groundfish fisheries in the Maritimes and Quebec. Sportfishing enthusiasts are able to fish from June 21 to Sept. 16 in the Northumberland Strait and in the southern Gulf of Saint Lawrence, west of Cape Breton Island. The season is also open on the Scotian Shelf east of Cape Breton along the eastern shore to Halifax. The southwest portion of the province, which is not subject to a groundfish moratorium and was open last year, is reopened for recreational groundfishing. Mr. Barkhouse said recreational fishers should remember that the daily bag limit in all areas is 10 groundfish of all species and only one fish can be halibut. "The opening of a recreational groundfishery to the eastern portion of the province is good news for our coastal communities especially as they gear up for the tourist season," the minister said. Mr. Barkhouse said that eco-tourism is growing in coastal regions. "Coastal communities have a lot to offer tourists and are aggressively developing their appeal as a tourism destination," he said. Sea excursions for whale and bird watching, diving, sportfishing and sightseeing can be an easy economic extension for communities with strong ties to the fishing industry. "Some fishing seasons are closed during the summer and eco-tourism offers fish harvesters alternative activities during the off-season. The bottom line is that diversification means more jobs and a better economy for Nova Scotians," Mr. Barkhouse said. The minister said that freshwater sportfishing generates some $82 million a year and that the overall value of sportfishing can grow by diversifying into the marine area. Economic spin-offs associated with sportfishing and tourism-related activities, such as purchase of fishing gear and equipment, and accommodations and meals, boost the economic value substantially, he said. Mr. Barkhouse said he fully supports federal Fisheries and Oceans' claim that a recreational fishery for groundfish can occur without negative effects on stock conservation. "Conservation continues to be our number one concern and harvesting decisions must be made in consideration of potential impacts on stock survival. In this case, seasons and strict bag limits for recreational fishing will ensure that groundfish stocks are protected," he said. -30- Contact: Diane Kenny 902-424-0308 trp June 26, 1996 - 9:50 a.m.