The objective of the panel is to consider mechanisms to ensure the best return to all industry players and our communities, recognizing the uniqueness of the various fishing areas in the region and of the live and processed products produced.

The Ministers will reach out to other jurisdictions in the region including Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, and Maine. Ministers also agreed the federal government has a key role to play in the management of the fishery and the development of international markets.

“This was an important and productive meeting that is crucial to the future of our coastal communities,” said Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau. “Working together we can find solutions to an important issue facing families in our region.”

The senior officials will report back to the Ministers in two weeks concerning the terms of reference and membership of the panel.

“While we’re moving forward provincially with the initiatives announced Monday to address this issue in Prince Edward Island, I am pleased we’ll be cooperating with others in Atlantic Canada facing similar challenges,” said Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Ron MacKinley.

“It was a very productive meeting,” said Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Michael Olscamp. “We all agreed it is not a New Brunswick, Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island issue, it’s an Eastern Canadian issue. It’s only by working together that we can move forward.”