June 18, 1999
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)

Employment figures double in fish processing sector

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister John Efford said today that he is extremely pleased with the performance of the fishery so far this year, adding that the employment numbers to date show that the fishing industry continues to provide foremost opportunities in the processing and harvesting sectors.

Mr. Efford said there are 120 active plants in the province and people are working longer periods during the season. He added that the number of people employed in the processing sector has increased significantly over 1998.

"Compared to May 1998, employment in fish processing was up by 6,000 in May of this year to 12,000. This represents a 100 per cent increase in employment activity in the processing sector for that month. This is the highest fish processing employment in May month since May of 1989. In fact, processing employment saw an increase in each of February, March, April and May over last year. As well, some 9,000 people were working in fish harvesting in May.

Mr. Efford said: "Certainly, this is good news for the fishing industry and demonstrates how this sector remains a key player in the economy of our province. The new, diversified fishery continues to make gains each year. The export value for 1999 is expected to reach $800 million, an increase of $100 million from last year."

Mr. Efford was quick to point out that the various fisheries started on time and in an orderly fashion again this year, thanks to a very successful fish price settlement process.

"The price setting mechanism pilot project has worked very well and we are getting positive results in terms of quality and markets. The feedback from processors about the quality of our fish is very encouraging. Our effective Quality Assurance Program is resulting in maximum value for our fish resources and a positive market response."

Mr. Efford added: "We should be proud of an orderly start-up of the various fisheries over the past couple of years, especially in light of the delays that were experienced in 1997, which impacted negatively on markets, quality and employment. Price settlements on all major fisheries have been reached again this year avoiding disruptions in the industry."

Connected with higher employment levels has been the increase in landings for major species, including crab and 3Ps cod.

Cod landings to the first week of June were up 280 per cent over last year at 2,598 tonnes and in excess of 90 per cent was harvested in 3Ps. Crab landings also posted significant gains during the same period with landings increasing 38 per cent to 19,581 tonnes.

Mr. Efford noted that the increase in cod quota announced this year for the South Coast fishery will have a significant economic impact for the region, increasing the income for inshore fishermen and the number of people working in the processing sector.

"The Newfoundland share of the 30,000 tonne 3Ps quota will see approximately 51,000,000 pounds of cod landed in the area and generate approximately 1,300 jobs in processing. Our share of the additional 10,000 tonnes in 1999 will result in an additional $18 million pumped into the region, over and above the $30 million landed value for 1998," said Mr. Efford.

"Good news like this in the South Coast fishery contributes to the renewed confidence in the industry - an industry that continues to rebuild and make a major contribution to the provincial economy," said Mr. Efford.

The Minister said there are a number of other species landed to date that have also played a major role in the increase in employment figures for processing and harvesting. These include 8,150 tonnes of northern shrimp and 2,700 tonnes of Gulf shrimp landed to the first week of June. Other landings in the same period include 3,750 tonnes of redfish, 700 tonnes of yellowtail, 1,050 tonnes of skate and 2,000 tonnes of herring in addition to landings of lobster and lumproe.

Mr. Efford said: "We must manage our fisheries properly and continue to work towards a professional, multi-species industry. We have to take advantage of all of the opportunities that are available from our ocean's resources that will benefit those remaining in the fishing industry. I believe we are on the right track and the fishery will remain a key contributor to the economic growth in Newfoundland and Labrador."

Media contact: Sonia B. Glover, Director of Communications, (709) 729-3733.

1999 06 18                       10:15 a.m.