Premier Andrew Furey has set up a meeting with federal fisheries minister Joyce Murray to discuss controversial comments she made about the future of the fishery.

The FFAW first raised the alarm about the issue last week.

They say Murray outlined a goal to leave as many fish in the water as possible as a means to help combat climate change, indicating that fish harvesters would have to accept the sacrifice as part of the country’s efforts to fight climate change.

The Minister has defended her comments, reportedly saying that her comments were “publicly mischaracterized” by the FFAW.

There is no recording of the comments available.

Furey says the comments, as reported by the FFAW, are troubling to him.

He says he’s giving the minister the benefit of the doubt given that she’s said the comments have been taken out of context.

However, Furey wants to know under what context such comments are appropriate.

The Premier says he shares the concerns of members of the fishery, which is why he has reached out to the minister so she can clarify her position.

He says the reported comments are not the provincial government’s sentiments, and they will make sure the fishery is protected in a sustainable way.