NR 01-18 TUR ENG Turbot Case.doc

Iqaluit, Nunavut (October 24, 2001) Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated announced their dissatisfaction with the decision by the Supreme Court of Canada to dismiss their application for a share of their turbot quota in Davis Strait.

“We are aware that this decision for pursuing a turbot quota has been review by the Supreme Court of Canada,” said James Etoolook, Acting President for NTI. “because of that, we are also holding discussions to take the next step. We have reviewed the legislation in this matter and will possibly proceed with further application. There are more improvements that must be made in this matter.

In 1997, The Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans did not fully consider the recommendation from Nunavut regarding their off shore fishery. Since then the Minister for Fisheries and Oceans has granted approval of half of the quota request for shrimp fishing for Nunavut. Nunavut has fished it’s quota of 4,000 tonnes of turbot , where more has been granted to the Atlantic Fisheries Union. The fisheries board has moved it’s licensing review offices to Nunavut. The GN’s Department of Sustainable Development has set up an office for this new division and there will be support staff in dealing with the development of fishing issues.

“In the future, off shore fishing in Nunavut will have more scrutiny, compared to 1997,” said Etoolook. “The turbot fishing rules has enabled changes. As we become more familiar with the legislation and it’s application which differs from 1997, there is on going work that needs to be pursued through colloboration with the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, the Federal Departmetn of Fisheries and Oceans and the Government of Nunavut to ensure continuity.”

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For further information:

Alan R. Vigoda
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
Iqaluit, NU
Tel: (867) 975-4900
Fax: (867) 975-4943 Paul Irngaut
Executive Liaison & Public Relations Advisor
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.