Environment Minister Chris Tibbs says the provincial government heard the concerns expressed about a proposed marine conservation protected area off the province’s south coast and acted.

The province this week terminated an MOU with the Miapukek and Qalipu first nations and the Town of Burgeo on Parks Canada’s proposal.

Burgeo Mayor Trevor Green says the town is disappointed with the decision saying the feasibility assessment on which the MOU was based would have answered any questions surrounding the impact to the commercial fishery, aquaculture and mining in the region.

Green says the town was not consulted before the decision was made, but Minister Tibbs says government made a commitment during the last provincial election and decided to act.

“It’s been two years that they’ve been trying to find a resolution to ensuring industry is protected” says Tibbs. “We weren’t satisfied that that was done.” He says he’s spoken with the Qalipu and with the federal minister “on two different occasions now about this and at the end of the day it just was not the right fit for this government and this province.”

The FFAW is applauding government’s decision citing a lack of clarity from Parks Canada about how local commercial fisheries would be protected.