(taken from the RCIP Rural Policy Forum Report - Spring 2004)
Many people involved in the fisheries in Nova Scotia believe that the outcome of the debate on Owner-Operator and Fleet Separation policies will be a turning point for inshore fisheries in Nova Scotia and for the communities they support. The result will either be a strengthening of the independence and sustainability of these inshore fleets, or the beginning of the end for them. Much work has already been done on this policy change issue. Two rounds of formal consultations, two discussion papers, numerous written and spoken interventions, and a well-organized policy change initiative.
The challenge for the RCIP Rural Policy Forum workshop (Feb 2004) was to identify policy and program options related to the Owner-Operator and Fleet Separation policies - including related policies on access to capital and community licensing for new entrants to inshore fisheries.
An immediate outcome from this workshop was a cover letter and policy statement issued to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) endorsed by RCIP Policy Forum participants.
For now, RCIP staff will be keeping a "watchful eye" on this policy issue. Please contact RCIP for more details.
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