MANAGING OUR FISHERIES FOR TOMORROW

Saskatchewan's people are proud of the fact that we have some of the best fishing in the world. Our challenge is keeping it that way.

Saskatchewan Environment is asking the public to help develop a new, environmentally sound and sustainable long-term fisheries management plan. It will build on partnerships and ensure fisheries are used in a way that promotes economic and social growth to benefit the people of Saskatchewan.

"Although Saskatchewan's fish stocks are strong, we are harvesting our limit and we do not want to risk over-fishing our industry as others in Canada have done," Environment Minister John Nilson said. "The diverse nature of our fisheries resource and its many users mean there is not one simple solution to ensure our fishery is able to cope with whatever pressures the future brings. However, we are confident that by working together we can meet this challenge."

Between October 30 and December 8, Saskatchewan Environment will be hosting 24 come-and-go open houses across the province to gather comments and ideas about the future of the province's fishery.

"Throughout this process we will be talking to Saskatchewan people about the types of fishing experiences they value and the actions they think are needed to ensure those experiences are available in the future," Nilson said. "Their co-operation, ideas and commitment to our fishery will help to effectively conserve and manage our high quality fishery for today and into the future, providing long-lasting benefits to the province."

The province plans to release the new Provincial Fisheries Management Plan early in 2008.

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For More Information, Contact:

Michele McEachern Environment Regina Phone: (306) 787-0412 Email: mmcearchern@serm.gov.sk.ca