Prawn Sectoral Caucus News

Prawn Caucus Meeting, Wed. March 13, 2002, Dorchester Hotel, Nanaimo, BC

MOTIONS PUT FORTH AT MARCH 13, 2002 PRAWN INDUSTRY CAUCUS MEETING 1. That caucus approves the service provider evaluation process and results and recommends that the PPFA enter into an agreement with J.O. Thomas and Associates Ltd. Consistent with the terms of the request for proposal and the evaluated J.O. Thomas proposal.      By Brian Van DorpSeconded by John Jenkins      In favor - 9     Opposed -2     Abstained - 1 2. That DFO approve J.O. Thomas as the service provider for the 2002 prawn by trap fishery and certify their charter vessel operators that successfully complete the required training program.      By Kevin EriksonSeconded by Brian Van Dorp      In favor - 11     Opposed - 1 3. That caucus supports, for the 2002 prawn and shrimp by trap fishery, a program funding method that relies on voluntary contributions from all license holders and, as a last resort, the use of the prawn resource to ensure that DFO programs necessary for the proper management and control of the 2002 fishery are adequately financed.      By John JenkinsSeconded by Dean Keitsch      In favor - 12 4. That the use of the prawn resource, if necessary, for DFO programs be conducted in line with post season spawner index testing and that the PPFA and DFO be responsible for selecting vessels to carry out post season monitoring requested by DFO.      By John JenkinsSeconded by Bob Alford      In favor - 9     Abstained - 3 5. That DFO send out a letter to all commercial prawn by trap license holders advising that the 2002 fishery will not open as scheduled without a joint project agreement between DFO and the PPFA that provides the necessary funding to DFO for programs vital to the proper management and control of the fishery. The letter should illustrate the implications of licence holders not paying their share of the management fees.      By Dean KeitschSeconded by John Jenkins      In favor - 12 6. Consistent with DFO advice to industry, for the proper management and control of the prawn by trap fishery, caucus recommends the use of new trap tags for the 2002 fishery.      By Bob AlfordSeconded by John Jenkins      In favor - 11     Opposed - 1 7. That DFO develop a code of conduct for prawn industry caucus members that encourages honesty, integrity and actions that do not bring disrepute to the industry or caucus.      By Dan StephensSeconded by John Jenkins      In favor - 9     Abstained - 3 8. That DFO work with the prawn industry caucus and the PPFA on the preparation of a questionaire/survey for prawn by trap license holders regarding funding options for the 2003 fishery.      By Rick Jerema Seconded by Bill Stefiuk      In favor - 12