APPENDIX IV APPENDIX IV 
The strategies in the plan have a common aim--the 
creation of a climate of prosperity and security for all 
who participate in commercial fishing. There are two major 
shifts in policy. First, the guiding principle in fishery 
management no longer will be the protection of fish, but 
the best use of society's resources. "Best use" is defined 
as the sum of net social benefits, such as personal income, 
occupational opportunity, and consumer satisfaction. Second, 
fundamental decisions about resource management and industry 
and trade development will be reached jointly by industry 
and Government. 
Fisheries agency 
The Fisheries and Marine Service, one of the two prin- 
cipal components of the Department of the Environment, has 
had total responsibility for fisheries management and re- 
search since it was established in January 1973. The import- 
ance of the Fisheries and Marine Service was evidenced by 
the appointment of a Minister of State for Fisheries in 1974 
to serve as its informal head and as a spokesman for the 
fishing industry. The Minister for Fisheries is assisted 
by a Senior Assistant Deputy Minister who serves as the 
operational head of the Service with a staff of about 5,500. 
The fiscal year 1976-77 budget of about $267 million2/ 
represents a 25-percent increase over the fiscal year 1975- 
76 budget. Although the budget represents about one-half 
of the Department of the Environment's budget it was less 
than 1 percent of the total Government budget. 
Support programs 
The Canadian Government has provided subsidies for 
fishing vessel construction since 1944. A 1970 Government 
report stated that subsidies had led to a rapid expansion 
in the number of vessels of 25 gross registered tons or 
larger and to increased harvests and processing capabilities. 
The report also said that the subsidies contributed to an 
Overinvestment in fishing and processing capabilities. 
In 1970 and again in 1973 more selective subsidy poli- 
cies were provided. In 1975 a short-term policy was intro- 
duced making subsidies available primarily to vessels which 
will replace existing vessels. Under the new policy, the 
Government will pay 35 percent of the cost of any eligible 
1/ 
The Canadian fiscal year is from April 1 to March 31. 
298 
