For Immediate Release
July 10th, 2015
MP for Labrador
Yvonne Jones
Yesterday I called on the federal Minister for Fisheries and Oceans to immediately cease all seine fishing off the coast of Labrador at least until the salmon migration is finished.
“Currently there are up to eight seining vessels fishing at one time near Pinware River, Labrador. Over a number of years I have received complaints from local anglers, residents, Aboriginal people, commercial salmon lodge operators and local environmentalists that caplin seining is impacting the large salmon from going up the river to spawn as well as smolts leaving the river.”
In years past, Labrador people have been left with no caplin for subsistence after the seiners have left. Local knowledge has indicated a low return rate of salmon this year, indicating a connection to the increased bycatch pressure from the seine fishery. With increasing commercial pressure on salmon there is great concern that further seining will needlessly further diminish the salmon stock.
Caplin is a vital link in the food chain for salmon and many other fish species as well as for migrating whale populations this time of year. I stand with my constituents and add my voice to the growing demand to immediately cease the seine fishery until July 15th.
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Media contact:
Courtney Demers
613-996-4630
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