Mercer International announced that the operator of the Cariboo Pulp and Paper mill, in which Mercer has a joint venture interest, has announced a planned curtailment of operation beginning in mid-April for a month and then for another month in the third quarter. The announcement is the direct consequence of a decrease in availability of fiber, which is well documented in BC. Recent insect infestation, fire, and Government policy have all impacted the amount of available fiber in the region. Downtime at the mill will better align production capacity with the available fiber supply. These plans may be adjusted should fiber forecasts change. Mercer is a global forest products company with operations in Germany, the USA and Canada.