Oil and Gas Expansion Continues in Marine Refuges and Valuable Fishing Grounds
August 29, 2019
Oil and Gas Expansion Continues in Marine Refuges and Valuable Fishing Grounds
August 29, 2019
This afternoon, the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) announced a call for nominations for two new offshore oil and gas exploration areas, including one that is situated within a marine refuge area closed to all fishing activity. FFAW-Unifor is calling on the C-NLOPB to withdraw the call for nominations for this area to allow for adequate consultations with affected fish harvesters as well as to cease exploration in areas designated as marine refuges.
“Our members were not consulted on the new exploration area that is now up for nominations. We have significant concerns surrounding how this will impact fish harvesters, particularly those that participate in the snow crab fishery. Fish harvesters, who have already given up considerable fishing grounds in the name of conservation, will now potentially give up more valuable crab grounds for oil and gas,” says FFAW-Unifor President Keith Sullivan.
In 2017, the federal government announced several new marine refuges that restrict all fishing activity while oil and gas operations continue unhampered. Since this time, FFAW-Unifor has repeatedly raised concerns over the conservation goals of such marine closures.
“Fish harvesters are understandably frustrated at the double standard that continues to persist within a refuge that is closed to fishing,” says Sullivan.
Oil and gas activities have far reaching impacts on the fishing industry. Loss of access to fishing grounds, an increase in steaming times, gear damage, navigational challenges and safety concerns with increased vessel traffic, iceberg deflection operations, concerns regarding seismic activity on fish species and fishing grounds, as well as the risks of oil spills and environmental contamination. It is therefore essential that fish harvesters be consulted prior to the bid process commencing.
“This new area up for bids takes up a substantial portion of our prime crab fishing grounds in 3L, after we’ve already been pushed out of other areas for both oil and gas and environmental protections,” says Nelson Bussey, 3L fish harvester and FFAW-Unifor Executive Board Member. “Companies wanting to expand operations in our province should be required to consult with affected stakeholders before offering up the areas we depend on for our livelihoods.”
“It is time for the government to stand up for the people of our province who depend on the valuable and sustainable fisheries resources off our shore,” concludes Sullivan.