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September 11, 2009
The Government of Canada and the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) have had encouraging success in recent years in enforcing rules on the high seas in the NAFO Regulatory Area.
However, some critics claim Canadian sovereignty and fishing rights are being compromised. While these critics are entitled to their opinion the facts are clear. Much has been achieved in reforming NAFO and as a result of these efforts, rules are being followed and some important fish stocks are already showing signs of recovery. Canada will continue its strong enforcement, but this is only one part of the solution.
Reform and modernization of NAFO and similar regional organizations must continue. This is why NAFO adopted amendments to its 1978 Convention in 2007. These changes were needed and, indeed, welcomed by all members of the delegation.
Contrary to opinion of some critics, the amended Convention continues to recognize and respect Canada’s sovereignty over its 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone.
Let me be clear: Canada maintains control over its waters under the amended Convention. No NAFO measures will ever be applied in Canadian waters unless 1) Canada requests that they apply and 2) votes in favour of such measures.
The updated Convention has additional requirements that limit member objections and provides a mechanism that will help resolve any disputes brought forward. Under the original Convention, members could object to any management decision, without any constraints, even if it resulted in overfishing. It also lacked a dispute settlement process, leading to longstanding disagreements, some of them still unresolved to this day.
The amended Convention emphasizes consensus on decisions wherever possible, and a strengthened voting system helps protect Canada’s interests within NAFO. If an agreement cannot be reached among members, NAFO must maintain the existing allocations of fish stocks. As a result, this new voting system will help protect Canada’s fish quotas in NAFO.
These changes provide a modern decision-making process that reflects the challenges currently facing NAFO members. Canadian industry and provincial governments including Newfoundland and Labrador have been part of the negotiating team and delegation.
The amended Convention has many other advantages, not least of which is the shift to an ecosystem-based approach to decision-making, which considers the interrelationships between marine species and their habitats, as well as the impacts of particular fishing gear on sensitive ocean habitats.
Canada remains committed to ratifying these important amendments for the future of our fisheries and the long-term health of our marine resources.
The Honourable Gail Shea
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
