Fisheries Minister Keith Colwell disappointed with shrimp policy recommendation

Nova Scotia Fisheries Minister Keith Colwell says he's disappointed with a federal panel decision that recommends scrapping a northern shrimp policy that protects the pioneers of the multi-million dollar industry.

Under the current Last-In, First-Out policy, the last entrants to a fishery off Newfoundland and Labrador are the first to leave when a quota is cut.

But the report released this week from an independent panel reviewing the policy said it does not allow the industry to adjust to changes in shrimp stocks.

Colwell has argued against scrapping the policy and says he is currently drafting a letter for federal Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc to reiterate his views.

He says Nova Scotia fishermen have a heavy investment in the northern shrimp fishery that surpasses that of fishermen in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Colwell says the industry is worth $131 million to his province and drastic changes to the rules would have a major impact on the Nova Scotia fleet.