February 2001

To those with an interest in the Atlantic Fishery:

As many of you know, it has been about 20 years since the last comprehensive review of fisheries management policies for the Atlantic coast. Since then, these fisheries have undergone dramatic changes. It is time to modernize our management policies and to ensure that the principles that are guiding our decisions reflect today’s realities.

To address the new challenges that have emerged, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is reviewing its policies with the aim of developing a clear and consistent policy framework that will serve as the foundation for the sustainable long-term management of the East Coast fisheries. This discussion document, reviewed by industry representatives and others, outlines some broad policy objectives and principles for your consideration.

The success of this review depends on your participation and I welcome your feedback on the proposals described in this document.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) will hold public consultations in the Atlantic Provinces, Quebec and Nunavut for you to provide your input. Following these consultations, the department will consider all feedback received and will develop a new policy framework that will define a set of objectives and principles to guide the management of Atlantic coast fisheries over the long term. The framework will also include operational plans for implementation of the new policy framework.

Consistent with the overall direction of the policy review, an independent panel will be established as a part of the Atlantic Fisheries Policy Review (AFPR) process to focus on issues around access to increasing fish stocks. The panel’s terms of reference and membership will be determined upon further consultation with my provincial colleagues. The Independent Panel on Access Criteria (IPAC) will allow for a targeted discussion on these issues and will complement the broader ideas on access as put forth in this discussion document.

AFPR is an opportunity for industry to get involved in the creation of fisheries policy in Atlantic Canada. I encourage your participation, whether it is through attendance at our public sessions, commenting to us in writing, or by e-mail. If you would like additional information, please visit our web site at www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/afpr-rppa or call toll-free 1-866-233-6676.

Yours sincerely,

The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, P.C., M.P.