The new president of the FFAW is meeting with federal fisheries minister Joyce Murray this week to discuss the need for greater ocean and fisheries science.

Greg Pretty says they’re opposed to the closure of the mackerel fishery and would like to see modest increases to the cod fishery in 3PS, the northern gulf and the stewardship fishery.

He says discussions are underway this week with harvesters about the fishery in 3PS, which saw big cuts in the quota due to stock assessments showing stocks deep in the critical zone.

DFO has been unable to conduct full fall surveys for two years. Pretty is meeting with Minister Murray on Thursday to impress on her the need for greater investment in fisheries science.