Expectations too high for Nunavut fishery?

Re: editorials and letters to you concerning the fishery in Nunavut and in particular in Davis Strait. This fishery has the potential to be a large component of the economy of Nunavut and Baffin Island, but expectations are reaching a level that may not be achievable over time. Claims and counterclaims are being made about who is right and who is wrong in the development of this fishery.

Remember it is still very much a developing fishery. Statements made by companies or organizations about the process deserve to be heard.

But will people actually listen? We talk of the value of the fishery, purchasing freezer trawlers, chartering longliners, and landing fish in various locations. Before too many capital investments are committed for vessels, fish plants and infrastructure, everyone should take a breath and review what they actually have, and need to do to accomplish achievable objectives.

There are available resources to Nunavummiut at a present level of 4,400 tons of Turbot in 0A and an additional tonnage of 1500 tonnes in 0B which has a potential value of $3 million to $3.5 million using royalty fees.

The 0A allocation by itself, which is 100 per cent for Nunavut, has a potential value of between $2.2 million to $2.6 million on a royalty basis. The actual gross value of this fish in the world market pricing is about $23 million. You get the money for no risk. The accumulated benefit over the last number of years must be in excess of $10 million.

John Andrew’s concern with process seems to be a valid concern. However some of Mr. Andrews’ issues of fairness may ring hollow to other members of the industry who have made financial commitments to license holders.

Some have offered greater amounts but lose out to others who have provided other types of financial incentive to the license holder and/or its managers. What seems fair to one perhaps is not fair to the others.

If license holders wish to continue to receive royalties from their license perhaps there should also be an obligation on their part to enter into joint-ventures for a longer term with a vessel owner or operator who will be the investor and assuming the majority of the risk.

The GN has an even greater obligation and no money to meet the demands placed on them by the population; this is not only in Nunavut but also throughout the North.

Trying to maintain a presence in many of the responsibilities and functions that come along with licenses is an expensive and time-consuming process and if GN and industry members do not keep themselves informed of changes, policy development and species-at-risk developments, they will be left behind. The presence of officials and representatives at these meetings is important and equally important is the respect of others as well as the opinions of others.

None of us will agree with the Senate committee report but there are many valid concerns raised by these members. Criticism by some on others should not be viewed as negative; absorb the positive and move on. Time spent on dealing with criticism is only useful if you create positive action and progress from recommendations. We cannot expect government to solve all of our problems.

The overall value of the fishery will continue to attract a great deal of interest from those not resident in the north. The temptations of large money in the fishing industry have been around for many years and it is now in the North. The possibilities of conflict of interest between companies and people and their membership is very high and needs to be avoided. Some companies have been successful in overcoming the temptations and jealousy of those who have and those who do not have.

The Baffin Fishery Coalition has an opportunity to set a course for the future that may allow for the people to benefit from the fishery, but historically it has been proven that some communities may benefit more than others. They must try and adjust for the common good of the people and the communities.

If even a small percentage of the claims made by Mr. Andrews and statements made by the senate have any credence, then the BFC must act accordingly. Actions should be taken to maintain the HTOs as solid members.

Neil Greig
Kuujjuaq