Sustainable fisheries matter, Newfoundland and Labrador signals with Fisheries Council appointment

WWF

ST. JOHN’S, July 11, 2017 — WWF-Canada welcomes the appointment of Janice Ryan, our fisheries conservation specialist, to the Newfoundland and Labrador Fisheries Advisory Council. The appointment gives a clear signal that the future of the province’s fishing industry must be sustainable.

About the Newfoundland and Labrador Fisheries Advisory Council

  • Provides industry stakeholders with ongoing opportunities for input on government decision-making regarding fisheries issues.
  • First priority is to develop a strategic action plan on cod revitalization.
  • Led by independent chairman William Wells and includes, in addition to WWF-Canada’s Janice Ryan, Valerie Johnson, cod rancher; Brad Watkins, fish harvester; The Fish, Food and Allied Workers; The Association of Seafood Producers; Seafood Processors of Newfoundland and Labrador; The Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association; The Marine Institute of Memorial University; and Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

About Janice Ryan, WWF-Canada’s senior specialist, fisheries conservation

  • More than 18 years of experience in various sectors of the Newfoundland and Labrador fishing industry, with positions at Fisheries and Oceans Canada; the Fish, Food and Allied Workers; and the processing sector.
  • Holds a Masters of Marine Studies, Fisheries Resource Management.
  • With WWF-Canada since 2011.

About WWF-Canada’s role in Newfoundland fisheries

  • More than 15 years working on the ground and on the water in the province.
  • Leading a Fishery Improvement Project in partnership with the Fish, Food and Allied Workers and other industry stakeholders to bring the historic 2J3KL northern cod population back to a healthy levels.
  • Promoting effective Marine Protected Areas to help wildlife, habitats and ecosystems.
  • Working to ensure the sustainability of forage fish such as capelin so cod and other predator species have enough to eat.

Janice, Ryan, WWF-Canada’s senior specialist, fisheries conservation, says:

“As a proud Newfoundlander who grew up in the fishing industry and has chosen a career committed to the sustainability of our fishery resources, I do not take this task lightly. I look forward to working with my colleagues to help build a sustainable and viable fishery for the benefit of our people and their communities.”

David Miller, WWF-Canada president and CEO, says:

“WWF-Canada’s seat on this council is a clear indication that Newfoundland and Labrador is serious about building a sustainable future. We are committed to working together constructively, for as long as it takes, to fulfill the vision of fisheries as a long-lasting, sustainable industry for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

About World Wildlife Fund Canada

WWF-Canada creates solutions to the environmental challenges that matter most for Canadians. We work in places that are unique and ecologically important, so that nature, wildlife and people thrive together. Because we are all wildlife. For more information, visit wwf.ca.

For further information
Philippe Devos, director of communications and media
[email protected]
+1 416-453-0092