Don't Be Talking!

Shhh ........
Let's not talk about the fishery!

At least that's the undercurrent message the current government continues to convey.

"Well, we can talk about the amazing aquaculture projects - but only the employment boost it brings.
Just steer the dialogue boat away from all the environmental challenges that ails this industry.
Especially don't bring up the watchdog and regulatory roles we should be undertaking - rather than pandering to the industry's wish-list regarding this important industry. 

AND
We can talk about the wild fishery, of course - but only the positive bits & pieces -
Like the research work  carried out by our Cod Warrior George Rose and the month-long visit by the Celtic Explorer vessel from  across the Pond.
And it's ok to be chatting about the projects that are being approved under our technology program.

BUT
Let's not  go on  about the 10 years that have passed under Tory rule & the total lack of a focus on the wild fishery.

Let's not talk about the plan or the strategy we promised, but never got around to doing.
(Jeeze we were so darn busy defending Nalcor & Muskrat Falls - who had the time??)

Let's not talk about the Cod Recovery Plan we agreed to, but did not follow through on.

Let's not go there about the fishery that could be double in its value if we really had placed a priority on this sector. 

Let's not talk about the oil money we could have put aside in a heritage fund  to rebuild our fisheries (Like Norway does with its renewable resources)

Let's not converse about all the fish plants that closed, but could have been saved as regional development initiatives if there were any ingenuity and enthusiasm shown by government.

Let's not blabber on about our failure as it relates to forcing the federal government to put fisheries at the bow of the ship - like extending the 200-mile limit, sharing jurisdictional management, license buy-outs, foreign overfishing, Search and Rescue capacity, etc... 

You see what I mean ... there's so much we shouldn't talk about!

So don't be talking!


Seems it's ok with the Tories to blab about the ol' stuff like the near-extinction of the Northern Cod.
Former Fisheries Minister Trevour Taylor was at it in today's Telegram.
We got to stop blaming the foreigners for that ecological disaster!,  the former fisherman admonishes us.
Yes - let's stop talking about the real culprits.
(And by the way Trevour, the trouble with the Northern Cod goes back to the late 60s, not the 80s - that's why we imposed the 200-mile limit - to keep the foreigners out of our waters.)

Don't be talking about the fishery!   has been Government's mantra since day one - sad state of affairs really.    

It's a shame given it is one of our most sustainable natural resources - meant to outlast oil and gas any day.

It's reassuring to know that Election 2015 is just around the corner.

It will force Government to drop anchor and start to have a real conversation again about the fishery - what is the plan and how are we going to get there ...?