St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador - The fishing industry has long been an important source of economic growth and development in Atlantic Canada, particularly in Indigenous and coastal communities. The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of supporting this industry and continuing to innovate, while maintaining an ecologically sustainable fishery and healthy marine ecosystems.
Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Joyce Murray, closed the two-day Seal Summit, which brought together Indigenous partners, the commercial fishing industry, provincial and territorial representatives, and other stakeholders and experts.
During the Summit, attendees held productive discussions on exploring new opportunities to expand Canadian seal products into export markets, the importance of the seal harvest to Indigenous communities, and addressing gaps in data regarding seal populations. Attendees heard from science and fisheries management experts, Indigenous elders, industry experts and the Atlantic Seal Science Task Team.
Concluding the Summit, Minister Murray announced that Fisheries and Oceans Canada launched an open call for project proposals to increase our understanding of ocean and freshwater environments, including the role of seals in the ecosystem.
