/EINPresswire.com/ -- BRUSSELS, BELGIUM -- (Marketwired) -- 04/26/16 -- Hunter Tootoo, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard will attend Seafood Expo Global in Brussels, Belgium April 26 to 28, 2016, to boost Canada's sustainable fish and seafood industry. The Minister will meet with senior European Union officials to voice Canada's strong support for continued access to European markets for the Canadian lobster industry and improved collaboration on ocean science.

While in Brussels, the Minister will meet with EU Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, to discuss how Canada and the EU can cooperate to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing on the high seas. He will also meet EU Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, Carlos Moedas, to determine how Canada and the EU can work together on innovative scientific research to support healthy oceans and understand the impact of climate change.

Minister Tootoo will express Canada's concern about a potential ban on North American live lobster in all meetings with key European officials and industry representatives in attendance at Seafood Expo. He will also discuss the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) as well as issues affecting the Arctic. The Minister will also raise the issue of the EU ban on seal products given Canada's support for a humane and sustainable seal harvest and voice support for the EU's exemption for indigenous seal products.

"The Seafood Expo provides an excellent opportunity to showcase Canada's global leadership in providing high quality fish and seafood products to consumers around the world," said Minister Tootoo. "Our government's goal is to boost collaboration with the EU on trade and other measures while also protecting the interests of Canadians who make their living from fisheries."

Quick Facts

--  Canadian fish and seafood exports continue to grow with total sales of
    $6 billion in 2015. This represents a record high growth rate of 21% and
    a $1 billion increase since 2014.
--  Canada exports more than $2 billion in lobster annually.
--  When CETA comes into force in 2017, approximately 98% of all EU tariff
    lines will be duty free.
--  Aquaculture is key to meeting the growing global demand for fresh fish
    and seafood. More than 50% of the world's seafood is produced through
    aquaculture.

Associated Links

--  For more information about Canadian fish and seafood exports consult
    Fisheries and Oceans website at: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/stats/stats-
    eng.htm
--  Read more about Canada's commitment to sustainability in our wild
    capture fishery and aquaculture sectors at Fisheries and Oceans Canada's
    Sustainable Seafood web site

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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Contacts:
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Patricia Bell
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474

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