Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Results — Continued

Goal 2: Optimum benefits to British Columbia from fisheries and aquaculture.

Outcome/Key Indicator:

Growth in production and value of B.C.'s fisheries and aquaculture sectors to provide employment and new wealth, especially in coastal communities.

Core Business Area:

Fisheries and Aquaculture Management.

Fisheries and aquaculture contribute a great deal to the economy of B.C. and its coastal communities. The ministry is looking for ways to expand the value of the aquaculture and wild fisheries sectors while maintaining environmental and social sustainability.

Performance in relation to this goal is currently captured under Goal 1, and involved monitoring growth in the wholesale value of fisheries and aquaculture sectors in B.C.

Objective 1:

An expanded aquaculture sector (finfish and shellfish) within three years with improved financial viability and minimal environmental impact.

In September 2002, the moratorium on finfish aquaculture was lifted. While this removes a significant barrier to growth in aquaculture, there is a need to continue to address policy and regulatory barriers and to respond to public concerns to ensure that growth occurs in a manner that is environmentally and socially sustainable.

Strategies:

1. Ensure existing and new finfish farms are in appropriate locations, which may require relocation of some operations.

2. Develop a management framework that meets environmental objectives without unduly inhibiting the sector's ability to conduct business.

3. Encourage diversification to new finfish species.

4. Monitor compliance with waste management and escape standards through an improved and harmonized compliance and enforcement regime.

5. Participate in coastal and marine planning to maximize environmental performance, reduce conflict among resource users, and enhance access to resources.

Objective 2:

Greater provincial influence over federal policy and management of the B.C. wild fishery to increase revenues to the B.C. seafood sector.

Strategies:

1. Establish a new working relationship with the federal government that supports joint decision-making for the management of B.C.'s wild fishery resources without interfering with federal constitutional authority.

The primary measure of success will be the development and implementation of a new federal-provincial framework that increases the province's influence on decision-making in areas of federal jurisdiction. In July 2003, Canada and B.C. signed an agreement establishing the Pacific Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers. The ministry is focusing now on turning this working agreement into an operational arrangement.