The federal fisheries minister is reiterating the importance of adjacency as it relates to quota allocations – but says it’s not the only deciding factor.
Jonathan Wilkinson says historic connections to certain fisheries are also taken into account when allocations are made.
Wilkinson was responding to questions surrounding lopsided halibut quotas in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, something Newfoundland fish harvesters have been upset about for some time.
Newfoundland and Labrador has just under 25 per cent of the quota while Quebec enjoys closer to 50 per cent.
Wilkinson says adjacency is important, but other factors also come into play. History and economic viability are also considered on an ongoing basis.