Newfoundland and Labrador
Rural Sustainability:
Challenges and Ideas from a
Fisheries and Oceans Perspective
(Not DFO)
Workshop on Vulnerability in Coastal Communities:
Adaptations to Change and Planning for the Future
Change Islands, NL
August 23-25, 2003
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Outline
®The fishery pre & post moratoria.
®Challenges in fisheries and
oceans.
®Ideas for adaptation &
sustainability.
A Snapshot of the Fishery
1989
Harvesters
16,000
2002
12,700
Volume of Landings
510,000t
270,000t
Value of Landings
$240 million
$520 million
Value of Production
$650 million
$1 billion
Processing Plants
214
125
Plant Workers (Pk)
21,000
14,500
Plant Workers (PY’s)
13,000
8,000
Context
®Cod fisheries closed.
®Transition to shellfish fisheries.
®Lack of science & a rebuilding plan.
®Diversification inside & outside the
fishery.
®Continuing requests for access by
Non-NL interests. No Surplus!
Context (Continued)
®Continued requests for processing
licenses.
®Continued foreign overfishing.
®Improved professionalization.
®Highly competitive marketplace.
®Government fiscal constraints.
®Continued dependence on the
fishery.
Fish Landings by Species Group
Newfoundland and Labrador, 1989 - 2002
'000 T
$ million
600
600
Shellfish
Pelagic
Groundfish
Total Value
500
500
400
400
300
300
200
200
100
100
0
0
89
Source: DFA & DFO
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
'00
'01
'02
Top Five Species
Landed Value (Millions)
1989
Plaice
$14
Capelin
$19
2002
Lobster
$18
Seals
Cod
$29
$20
Shrimp
$144
$235
Crab
$18
Shrimp
Lobster
$27
$120
Cod
$190 M
$460 M
Aquaculture Growth in
Newfoundland & Labrador
Production
tonnes
Value
(millions)
14000
12000
10000
Tonnes
Value
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
'95 '96 '97 '98 '99 '00 '01 '02 '03 '04 '05
55
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Some Challenges/Issues
®Resource rebuilding & conservation
required.
®Need good scientific basis for
decisions.
®Full utilization - Less waste.
®Clear access & allocation policy.
®Move past conflict into cooperation.
More Challenges & Issues
®Conflicting objectives.
®Lack of provincial role in fisheries
management.
®Need awareness & capacity building.
®Insufficient resources - Fiscal
constraints.
®Need more integrated
oceans/fisheries/coastal management
Some Ideas & Actions
®Identify common vision & objectives.
®Prepare a rebuilding plan for cod stocks.
®Continue to diversify and maximize the
value of fisheries, coastal and ocean
resources.
®Increase our role in fisheries
management.
®Optimize science through partnerships.
More Ideas & Actions
®Conduct integrated and inclusive
planning and management.
®Build partnerships (COS & MPA).
®Measure state of the ocean.
®Participation and advocacy.
®Encourage private sector investment.
®Build on success (e.g. Lobster
Management - Eastport Peninsula).
Thank You