March 29, 1996
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)

'96 seal fishery the best in years

All indications are that this year's seal fishery will be the best in years, says John Efford, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

The minister said he is hopeful that the full quota of 250,000 animals will be harvested this year. "This would not only satisfy market requirements, but would demonstrate that the Newfoundland and Labrador seal fishery is well on its way to commercial recovery and viability." To date this year, about 40,000 seals have been harvested, and about two million pounds of meat products have been processed.

Mr. Efford pointed out that the volume of meat processed so far this year is already about double what was done during the entire season last year when a total of 60,000 animals were harvested.

The two million pounds of meat products processed to date include food products such as tenderloins, sausage, pepperoni, salami, canned products and flipper. Other products being processed include animal feed. In addition to that, some other meat is being used in experimental work on protein concentrates for third world markets.

"It is especially encouraging that full use is being made of the entire carcasses," Mr. Efford said, noting that the province continues to work in cooperation with the federal government to promote and encourage full utilization of the animals, through technical and financial support, particularly for development of meat products.

The minister said that with the season for beaters just starting, and with close to two months of the seal fishery remaining, 1996 should be a good year for both seal harvesters and processors.

"I expect that this year, sealers will get a much more reasonable return for their work and investment than what they have been used to," Mr. Efford said. This year, the provincial government is contributing 15 cents per pound to offset meat procurement and processing costs, and the federal government is providing 20 cents per pound to offset harvesting costs. The Carino Ltd. plant in Dildo is operating at full capacity processing pelts and industrial blubber; Terra Nova Fisheries in Clarenville is processing meat, pelts and high-grade refined seal oil concentrate for food and pharmaceutical purposes; and Indian Bay Frozen Foods in Centreville is processing a variety of seal products such as sausage, pepperoni and canned products. Several more licensed operations at other locations throughout the province are also involved in processing.

Mr. Efford noted that the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture conducts in-plant inspections to ensure that high quality standards for meat and blubber products are met.

Other projects the department has initiated to further develop the seal fishery include development of canned pet food, aquaculture and agricultural feed from seal by-products; developing a food grade anti-yellow agent for use with fur products and possibly blubber; developing uses for seal meat as a protein supplement in food aid programs; and further research to focus on the benefits of Omega-3 seal oil concentrate.

Contact: Josephine Cheeseman, Director of Public Relations, (709) 729-3733.