The PC Opposition is adding its voice to concerns over comments attributed to the federal Fisheries minister.

The FFAW first raised the issue earlier this week, Comments citing a speech made by Minister Joyce Murray to the Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters Federation several weeks ago. The union says she “stated clearly” that her goal is to leave as many fish in the water as possible in order to grow more vegetation so that the ocean can better absorb carbon and combat climate change.

PC fisheries critic Craig Pardy says he hasn’t seen a transcript or heard the comments himself.

But he says if the union report is accurate, it speaks volumes about Minister Murray. He doesn’t believe the minister is aware of the significance of the fishery to rural Newfoundland.

VOCM News asked provincial Fisheries Minister Derrick Bragg for comment on Murray’s speech but was provided with a statement instead, which reaffirmed the province’s full support for the fishery.

Murray has reportedly said her comments were “publicly mischaracterized” by the FFAW.