Nunavut offshore allocation holders form an industry association
IQALUIT, Nunavut
Date: May 28, 2012
Since Nunavut became Canada’s newest territory in 1999 it has seen significant and impressive development in its adjacent offshore fishery for Greenland halibut and shrimp. To ensure the continued growth of this industry and to provide a unified industry voice on issues of concern to the fishery the Nunavut offshore allocation holders have formed an industry association, “Nunavut Offshore Allocation Holders Association (NOAHA)”.
The new association will represent the four organizations engaged in the harvest of quotas in waters adjacent to Nunavut.
Jacopie Maniapik, Chairman of BFC states, “We are very pleased to see the formation of an offshore fishing industry association, as it shows the progress Nunavut has made in the development of its offshore fishery. The formation of this industry association will give focus to the future development and lobbying efforts of the stakeholders in the Nunavut fishery”.
“CSFL is pleased to be a founding member of NOAHA. In early 1990s when CSFL got its first 300mt OB turbot offshore quota, I never thought that the Nunavut offshore fishing industry would grow into being a major player in the Canadian fishing industry. I am very pleased with Nunavut offshore fisheries continued development”, said Johnny Mike CSFL president.
“Compared to the fishing industry in the rest of Canada our industry in Nunavut is in its infancy. The action by the Nunavut Offshore Allocation Holders to form this association is a major step forward in the development of our industry and demonstrates we are quickly coming of age” commented Lootie Toomasie Chairman and CEO of AFA.
“The Government of Nunavut is pleased to see our offshore fishing industry working together and forming a new industry association.”, stated Minister James Arreak, Minister of Environment, “There are many important and common issues for the industry where the presence of a strong, united voice is critical. This demonstrates a coming of age and maturing of our industry.”
About NOAHA
NOAHA is a Nunavut offshore fishing industry association. Its members are Nunavut offshore allocation holders:
- Arctic Fishery Alliance (AFA);
- Baffin Fisheries Coalition (BFC);
- Pangnirtung Fisheries Ltd and Cumberland Sound Fisheries Ltd Partnership (PFL/CSFL); and;
- Qikiqtaaluk Corporation (QC).
NOAHA’s focus will be on:
- Lobbying for increased quotas in Nunavut adjacent waters.
- Attending industry meetings and putting forward Nunavut’s views on various issues as they affect the Nunavut commercial fishery and its members
- Lobbying efforts with Governments: Nunavut and Federally as it relates to issues affecting the fishery
- Any other matters of common interest where it is important the commercial fisheries voice be heard.
- NOAHA’s office is located at building 208, Iqaluit, Nunavut, telephone: 867 979 7862.