Minister LeBlanc's Statement on the first International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing

OTTAWA, June 5, 2018 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc made the following statement today regarding the first UN International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing:

"Today is a historic day as it marks the first International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. Fish are a global strategic resource, but IUU fishing is causing immense ecological and economic losses of approximately $10 to $23.5 billion annually. It is a real threat to the health and sustainability of our oceans and their resources. The impacts of IUU fishing can be seen in fish stocks around the world and directly affect global food security, in addition to being linked to other security threats, such as illegal trafficking of drugs, weapons and people.

The Government of Canada recognizes that oceans are a shared global resource. That is why we are making IUU fishing a critical point of discussion during Canada's G7 presidency this year and during the G7 Leader's Summit later this week.

Canada has placed a high value on open and accessible fisheries data, such as health of fish stocks, that is easily understood and applicable to help increase transparency of global fishing. Canada will continue to work with industry and other institutions to develop and offer innovative solutions to prevent and deter IUU fishing and to strengthen international collaboration to close the gap between talking and taking action to achieve real results.

I am proud of the leadership role Canada is taking to improve the management of our fisheries. I am committed to protecting our fisheries, alongside my international partners, and look forward to advancing our sustainable oceans management platform."

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, M.P., Q.C., P.C.
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

Associated Links
Prime Minister's Statement on G7 Summit

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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada