July 7, 1999
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)

Minister comments on return of 2J and 3KL commercial fisheries

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister John Efford today welcomed the return of the 2J and 3KL (northern cod) commercial fisheries, the first since 1992. He emphasised the need for orderly landings of premium quality fish if fishermen are to maximize their returns. He also stated that fishermen in other areas of the province, such as 3Ps and 4R/3PN, should be guided by the same objectives.

Nonetheless, the minister would have preferred the opening date for that fishery to be September 1, to combat the negative effect on the quality of landings high water and air temperatures will have during peak summer if proper icing procedures are not used. "It is important that maximum quality and market returns are achieved for both fish harvesters and processor, although that will be more difficult in peak summer because of the warmer weather," he said.

"Over the past several years," Mr. Efford said, "we have made considerable progress in improving the quality of landings throughout the province for all species and we need to build on this success for cod and other groundfish in 2J and 3KL and other areas as well."

"The key to an orderly fishery is for fishermen to have their marketing relationships with processors firmly planned before commencing their fishery. This will ensure that the best possible balance is maintained between the harvesting and processing sectors on any given day."

Mr. Efford noted that fishermen through individual quotas and/or seasonal splits for harvesting now have greater flexibility to plan their fishery. "This flexibility," he said, "will provide an opportunity for fishermen to focus on quality standards relative to the icing and gutting of fish to give greater economic returns. It will also enable the processing sector to direct their raw material purchases to products of greatest market opportunity."

Media contact: Mary MacNab, Communications, (709) 729-3745, Cell: (709) 682-8270, e-mail: mmacnab@mail.gov.nf.ca

1999 07 07         4:00 p.m.