Acting Fisheries Minister Gail Shea made the following statement on Nov. 13 about flexibility surrounding the submission of lobster tag supplier plans to Fisheries and Oceans Canada:
"I have heard concerns from fishermen and those involved in the industry that the current timelines around getting information in to the Department are too restrictive.
"Our first priority in this process is to ensure that fishermen have the tags they need in time for their fishing season. I have asked my department to move the target date for providing tagging plans to Friday, Dec 7. That said, so long as the supplier submits a plan that clearly outlines how fishermen will get their tags on time, there is no firm deadline.
"Our government will continue to stand on the side of fishermen and we want to ensure that they are properly informed as we transfer to this new way of supplying tags."
Information about the department's plan for service delivery changes, including tags, can be viewed on DFO's website.
