FOPO Committee Report

Recommendation 1

That the Department of Fisheries and Oceans immediately put into place a plan, based on scientific evidence, to mitigate the impact of the rapidly growing population of grey seals on the snow crab resource in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, including the targeted removal of grey seals. 3

Recommendation 2

That all of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s future fisheries management decisions be based on the precautionary approach when a formal decision-making framework exists, and that in the absence of such a framework, decisions be based on the elementary principle of precaution. 17

Recommendation 3

That the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans strike a task force consisting of independent experts to conduct an objective review of the snow crab stock assessment process and the management of the fishery in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. The task force should report publicly and to the Minister within a year of its formation. 19

Recommendation 4

That Fisheries and Oceans Canada continue discussions with the Area 19 Snow Crab Fishermen’s Association to develop an updated co-management plan that recognizes the investments made by the Area 19 Snow Crab fisherman in the belief that the terms of the original co-management plan would be adhered to until its expiration in 2013. An updated co-management plan should also respect the principles of the Area 19 Snow Crab Integrated Fisheries Management Plan for 2005-2013 and the Precautionary Approach Decision-making Framework that was introduced in 2010. 20

Recommendation 5

That Fisheries and Oceans Canada review its fisheries management decision-making processes and timelines to ensure that (a) all fleets have meaningful input in the advice prepared for the Minister, (b) the processes are more transparent, and (c) the final decision is made and communicated to all parties involved, including the processing sector, at least 30 days before the fishing season is set to begin. 22

Recommendation 6

That Fisheries and Oceans Canada initiate discussions with all snow crab fleets on the principles and mechanisms to be used for adjusting allocations throughout the abundance cycle of the resource to ensure the long-term viability of all fleets. 27

Recommendation 7

That Fisheries and Oceans Canada review its current approach to resolving disputes between fleets or licence holders, identify successful models for resource allocation agreements among stakeholders, and determine whether these models can be applied to the management of snow crab. 27

Recommendation 8

That the Government of Canada table in the House of Commons a bill to renew the Fisheries Act that would: (a) provide guiding principles and fisheries objectives for long-term sustainable fishery harvests and a viable fishing industry, (b) provide criteria and establish processes on which access and allocation decisions would be made, and (c) require transparency in all decisions made by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans under the Act. 27

Recommendation 9

That the Government of Canada, in collaboration with the governments of the Atlantic Provinces and Québec, support an industry-led rationalization plan for the snow crab fishery (publicly funded where appropriate) that must take into account regional needs and requirements. 30

Recommendation 10

That the Government of Canada, in collaboration with the governments of the Atlantic Provinces and Québec, taking into account any rationalization plan for the snow crab fishery, develop a strategic plan for the intergenerational transfer in the fishing industry. Among other things, the plan could discuss: (a) loan programs for new fishermen, (b) independent financing and the use of licences as collateral, and (c) new rules that would allow fishermen to better manage investments in their enterprises. 31

Recommendation 11

That the Government of Canada, in partnership with the governments of the Atlantic provinces and Québec and industry representatives, encourage the promotion of snow crab domestically and abroad, through the creation of an Atlantic-wide multi-stakeholder marketing research and advertising council and/or through an already existing body serving a similar purpose. 34