OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 11/08/12 -- The Honourable Gail Shea, Acting Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that the Harper government is taking the next steps in its efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing by tabling amendments to Canada's Coastal Fisheries Protection Act.

"Illegal fishing undermines the livelihoods of legitimate fishermen around the world," said Minister Shea. "By strengthening the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act, our government is protecting the livelihoods of Canadian fishermen and supporting the international fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing."

Today, Senator Michael MacDonald tabled amendments to the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act. These amendments strengthen the Act and allow Canada to meet its commitments to the international Port State Measures Agreement, which Canada signed in November 2010.

The amendments to the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act include a broader definition of "fishing vessel" to cover any vessels used for the trans-shipment of fish or marine plants not previously landed, and tougher prohibitions against the importation of fish, marine plants, and seafood products from illegal sources.

"Canada is a responsible fishing nation and we are an international leader when it comes to improving fisheries governance," said Senator MacDonald. "I am proud to table the amendments to our Coastal Fisheries Protection Act because it means we are protecting our fisheries, our fishermen and cracking down on those who abuse the system."

For broadcast:

The Honourable Gail Shea, Acting Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced that the Harper government is taking the next steps in its efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing by tabling amendments to Canada's Coastal Fisheries Protection Act. The government tabled amendments today to the Act that include a broader definition of "fishing vessel" and tougher prohibitions against the importation of fish, marine plants, and seafood products from illegal sources.

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