Yesterday and today Mr. Ain Soome, Head of Fish Resources Department of the Estonian Ministry of the Environment, had meetings with representatives of the Canadian fisheries authorities in London with the aim of discussing fisheries relations between the two countries. According to Mr. Soome, the parties agreed that Estonia will accept having Canadian observers on board all rented vessels. “In case a third state would desire to rent Estonian vessels for use of their fishing quota, Estonia will only agree to that in case Canadian observers will be on board the vessel. Expenses related to the observers will be covered by the parties interested in renting the vessels,” said Mr. Soome. In addition to this, Estonian will agree to have Canadian observers on board the vessels which fish for shrimps in zone 3L in case the Canadian side will express such a request after having observed the fishing activities of those vessels. Mr. Heiki Kranich, Estonia’s Minister of the Environment, will shortly send a letter concerning the above to the Canadian Minister of Fisheries. According to Mr. Soome, the representatives of Canada indicated that upon having reached the mentioned agreement, Canadian ports will be reopened for Estonian vessels in the near future. However, the official statement will be made by the Canadian minister. Canada closed its ports for Estonian vessels in April, 2002. For additional information please contact: Mr. Ain Soome |
