July 21, 1999
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)

Crab processing licence announced for Black Tickle

Premier Brian Tobin announced today that approval has been given to Labrador Sea Products Inc. for a crab processing licence for Black Tickle, providing the community with an opportunity for a brighter future following years of struggle due to the groundfish moratorium.

The premier said the crab licence will ensure stability for Black Tickle and benefit all Labradorians, adding that the licence will result in the establishment of a multi-species plant operating in Black Tickle, thus providing much-needed employment for the area.

"This conditional licence will mean approximately 100 jobs created and a revival of a community that has been particularly hit hard by the collapse of the cod fishery. It's also important to emphasize that a new licence for Black Tickle will not have any negative impact on other coastal communities. This is a cooperative effort and indeed great news for the entire Labrador fishing industry," added Mr. Tobin.

An equitable sharing arrangement has been made between Labrador Sea Products - a consortium consisting of Daley Brothers, Barry Group, H.B Dawe Ltd. and Quinlan Group - the Labrador Fishermen's Union Shrimp Company and Coastal Labrador Fisheries Ltd. that ensures all crab in 2J South is processed in Labrador.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister John Efford said all parties involved are to be commended for working together to benefit the coastal communities of Labrador.

"It is very encouraging to see the private sector working together and continue to take the lead in our fishery; this new processing licence and the opening of a multi-species plant will indeed ensure the survival of Black Tickle, a community that deserves an opportunity to grow and prosper. I am particularly pleased that all 2J crab will now be processed in Labrador as a result of this agreement."

Area MHA Yvonne Jones said she is pleased that a processing licence has been granted for Black Tickle and that hope for the future has been restored to the people of that community without having a negative impact on neighboring communities.

"Black Tickle, like many communities along coastal Labrador, has been under pressure for survival since the collapse of the ground fishery. This announcement is good news for the residents of Back Tickle, providing stable employment in the community." Ms. Jones said: "I am especially pleased that the arrangement has been worked out in conjunction with the existing fish plants along the coast and that no more 2J crab will be shipped to the island for processing. This is a win-win situation and will help strengthen the fishing industry in Labrador."

Meanwhile, Mr. Tobin said arrangements are presently being made by Labrador Sea Products to prepare the plant in Black Tickle for operation, adding that the plant is expected to be up and running at the commencement of next year's fishery.

Media contact: Heidi Bonnell, Premier's Office, (709) 729-3564 or Sonia B. Glover-Sullivan, Communications, Fisheries and Aquaculture, (709) 729-3733.

1999 07 21                     9:20 a.m.