Government of Canada announces new sustainable fisheries resource advisory council

OTTAWA, July 17, 2018 /CNW/ - In 2015, the Government of Canada made a commitment to be more transparent in decision-making, as well as increasing the role that Canadians play in decisions that affect their livelihood.

Minister LeBlanc today announced the creation of a new Sustainable Fisheries Resource Advisory Council of Canada (SFRACC), a national arm's-length advisory body designed to offer the Minister broad-based advice and recommendations on fisheries issues.

The proposed mandate for the SFRACC will include providing advice and recommendations to resolve complex policy and management issues relating to the sustainability of federally-managed fisheries and the conservation of aquatic resources.

The SFRACC will consist of two separate panels: one for Eastern Canada and one for Western Canada. This will ensure Council members have appropriate knowledge and experience relating to the issues facing their respective coasts. In the event that the Council is directed to study an issue relating to the North or the whole of Canada, the co-chairs of the respective panels would convene and request additional members on an ad hoc basis. Co-chairs will meet with the Minister once a year and will likely prepare advice on two or more issues per year.

Council members, together with co-chairs, will consist of a mix of industry and scientific expertise, including non-governmental organizations, and will be appointed by the Minister. A Notice of Appointment will be released in the near future for all parties who wish to apply.

Quotes

"I am very pleased to announce the creation of Sustainable Fisheries Resource Advisory Council of Canada. This body will be an important link between the Government of Canada and those who rely on sustainable, well-managed fisheries. Well-informed and balanced decision-making is key to the long-term success of our fisheries, and the communities that depend on them. I look forward to making appointments for both eastern and western panels and putting this Council to work as soon as possible."

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

Quick Facts

• The SFRACC will conduct its work in a manner that takes into account the regional, operational, environmental, economic and social realities of the fishing sectors.
• The work of the SFRACC will focus on species or regions that are facing significant or unique challenges, cross-cutting policy issues or issues related to national consistency. All written reports produced by the SFRACC will be open and transparent and made publicly available.
• Examples of areas the SFRACC may examine include: environmental changes to marine ecosystems; complex social, economic, and conservation issues; the need to balance conservation and sustainability objectives with economic prosperity; and how fisheries management decisions can help advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada