Strengthening Fish Harvester Organizations in Nova Scotia

A new act will help strengthen fisheries organizations giving them a stronger collective voice provincially and federally.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau introduced the Fish Harvester Organizations Support Act in the House of Assembly today, Nov. 15.

"The fisheries sector is facing enormous challenges and it is important to ensure that organizations have the necessary support to meet the needs of their members," said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau. "This new act will provide the tools to help inshore fishermen strengthen their organizations so they can more effectively represent their interests on issues such as fisheries management decisions and marine safety, and take advantage of market opportunities."

The act will set up an improved registry system to allow for successful enforcement of required dues in regions that vote to implement dues. It will also provide mechanisms for the minister to make voting easier for fishermen and to modify the six regions set up under the act to better line up with fishing areas and activities.

Interested groups agree the current legislation needs improvement.

"Without the ability to enforce the legislation it can not do what it was intended to do," said Eugene O'Leary, president of the Guysborough County Inshore Fishermen's Association. "We've been part of the consultation process and look forward to new legislation that will allow us to remain an accredited association, and collect dues to do our work on behalf of our members."

The Fish Harvester Organizations Support Act will make it easier for groups to organize effectively around common economic and, in some cases, species and geographical interests.

"Legislation to support fishermen's organization will benefit future fishermen and the industry in general," said Ashton Spinney, head of Lobster Fishing Area 34 Advisory Board. "We've worked for several years to get to this point. We need this legislation. I'm excited to see it introduced and I look forward seeing it put in place."

The Fish Harvester Organizations Support Act will replace the Fisheries Organizations Support Act, which was adopted in 1995.