Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson believes middle ground can be found regarding the proposed Marine Conservation Area along the south coast.

Earlier this week, the province announced it was terminating the MOU reached to conduct a feasibility assessment of the project, citing concerns over aquaculture, fishing and mining operations.

Thompson says that with more consultation with fisheries groups, the project could benefit both sides.

“I work as the minister of fisheries and you know as a regional minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and I see the need for consultation, meaningful consultation where people can express their views where we can manage the information in a way that aligns with the intent of the work and then collectively come to the decisions that are balanced, that sit across all perspectives,” she told reporters.