OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 27, 2012) - The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today issued the following statement:

"It is an honour that Canada has been recognized as the world leader in fisheries research by top researchers around the world in the Council of Canadian Academies report: The State of Science and Technology in Canada, 2012. This report confirms what has been acknowledged by many - Canada's fisheries science is the best in the world.

"The Harper Government has made strategic investments in fisheries science and, as a result, the research output in the fisheries science field across the country is significant.

"The international scientific community continues to turn to Canada for our quality fisheries science.

"Our government understands that science is crucial to the long-term sustainability of Canada's oceans and resources. I am proud of the excellent work of our scientists and our government will continue to invest where it counts to continue to achieve the best results for Canadians."