Minister Approves Working Group on Northumberland Strait Ecosystem; Public Meetings to Be Planned

September 14, 2005

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Moncton - Fisheries and Oceans Minister, Geoff Regan, has established a regional working group to study the state of the ecosystem in the Northumberland Strait, where the underwater environment and fish stocks are changing.

"Fishers have been telling us they are concerned with the state of the ecosystem in the Northumberland Strait as well as a decline in catches in several key fisheries," Minister Regan said. "I am asking the regional working group to look at any possible factors which could be contributing to these changes."

The regional working group consists of approximately 20 people, including representatives from fishing associations, shellfish groups, First Nations, watershed organizations, provincial governments and several federal departments. This group is being established under the scope of the Oceans Action Plan (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/infocus-alaune/2005/20050527-eng.htm).

The working group will oversee the study of a wide range of topics including weather systems, topography, human impact, erosion, sedimentation, invasive species, transportation issues including the Confederation Bridge, the impact of other industries on fisheries as well as fishing patterns, practices and policies.

Public meetings will be held to offer anyone concerned an opportunity to have input into the study. The regional working group is expected to submit its recommendations to the minister by the end of February 2007.

The Northumberland Strait is the body of water between Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It is one of the most productive marine environments in the world, where a diversity of fish species provide a livelihood for hundreds of commercial fishers and their families.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

Krista Petersen Communications Fisheries and Oceans Canada Gulf Region Moncton, N.B. 506-851-7171

NR-G-05-13E