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DFO hopes to have a formal policy on the issue finalized in the fall. NAFO In preparation for the NAFO meeting in September, a government/industry advisory meeting was held in Halifax. DFO reported that progress was being made regarding the reform of NAFO to update its by-laws, operations, etc in order to make it a more effective fisheries management organization. However, it will be a long process. Attempts to get a consensus regarding a sanctions guideline on how countries will discipline vessels that break NAFO rules, over-fish their quotas, etc. has generated almost no progress. The Scientific Council reports that the NAFO rebuilding plan for 2+3KLMNO turbot is not working. The rebuilding plan introduced in 2004 was not severe enough and the over fishing of the TAC has led to a continuing decline in the stock. On the other hand, the illegal catches of species under moratorium (3NO cod, etc) have been virtually stopped. DFO remains committed to having 3 vessels in the area each day. Toronto Media Attacks Canned Tuna CITY TV and CTV TV produced programs regarding the US Consumer Report magazine’s article attacking the health attributes of canned tuna, essentially advising pregnant women to avoid canned tuna. Concerned that such stories have a wide-spread impact on fish and seafood consumption, the FCC responded to the TV stations reinforcing the point that the health benefits of eating fish outweigh the risk of exposure to mercury if Health Canada’s consumption guidelines are followed. Our main messages were (i) pregnant women and young children need to keep consuming fish and seafood because of the brain growth and brain development benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids in fetal life and early infancy; (ii) canned tuna is a low-cost, convenient, and tasty source of Omega 3; and (iii) Health Canada’s advisory regarding pregnant women specifically notes that it does not include canned tuna. Reauthorization of the US Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Act In view of significant indications that Alaska Senator Stevens plans to introduce a foreign ownership restriction regarding the eligibility of processing plants to hold fishing quotas, the FCC convened a meeting in Washington of like-minded US fisheries associations (Pacific Seafood Processors Association, National Fisheries Institute), Washington legal representative of the Japanese industry, and Canadian trade officials. As a result of the meeting the FCC is working with the Canadian trade officials to develop appropriate message themes for the Embassy regarding informal meetings with the US Trade Representative’s office, Department of State, Treasury, aligned Senators and Congressmen. The US Food Products Association, Alaska’s Resource Development Council, and the City of Unalaska have all written to Senator Stevens advising against the proposed foreign ownership restriction. North Sea Herring Weakening Although the North Sea herring stock is currently in good condition at 1.7 million tons, scientists report a mysterious four year period of very low recruits to the fishery. As a result, they are calling for a significant reduction in the 2007 TAC to about 240,000mt from the 2006 TAC of 455,000mt. EU Mackerel Prices Continue to Increase EU mackerel prices have increased 19% in the past 12 months and Eurofish projects further increases. A shortage of mackerel supplies from the EU fleet is likely to push up prices when fishing resumes in the autumn. Cooked & Peeled Shrimp – European Union The European Commission reports that the proposed 3,000mt increase in the 2006, 7,000 mt quota is winding its way through the EU system. The aim is to have the increase fully approve in July before the system virtually closes down for the August holidays. |