July 26, 1999
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)

Mussel industry growing at rapid pace

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister John Efford said today that the mussel industry in the province is growing at a rapid pace thanks in part to a policy that his department put in place a couple of years ago to help this new industry move forward.

Mr. Efford said: "We knew this new industry had great potential and could offer exciting employment opportunities; we therefore made available a loan program to mussel growers and the result is an industry that is moving full steam ahead. In fact, mussel production in Newfoundland this year is expected to double 1998's production level."

A total of 946 tonnes of mussels was produced in the province in 1998 for a market value of $1.9 million and Mr. Efford said production is expected to increase to 2,000 tonnes in 1999 with an export value of more than $4 million.

Mr. Efford added that he is confident that Newfoundland's mussel industry will continue to make major gains and soon become a major competitor in the North American marketplace.

"The numbers speak for themselves in terms of the good news about our mussel sector. In 1996 we produced 370 tonnes of mussels and that number increased to 946 tonnes in 1998 and to 2,000 tonnes in 1999; by the year 2002 our mussel production is expected to reach more than 5,000 tonnes. Indeed, our mussel industry is experiencing substantial growth. We are extremely confident about the success of this aspect of our aquaculture sector," said Mr. Efford.

There are 107 mussel sites established around the province, and so far this year, a total of 900 tonnes of mussels has been processed with an export value of more than $2 million.

Mr. Efford said two mussel companies in the province are involved in secondary processing, which is a vital part of competing in the world marketplace, where the demand for value-added products is increasing.

"It is exciting to see that our mussel industry is now involved in secondary processing. To be competitive in the marketplace, it's important that mussel growers also focus on value-added products, such as mussels packaged in sauces; and establish and maintain a good reputation of producing top-notch seafood products."

Mr. Efford added that the new Shellfish Aquaculture Working Capital Fund valued at $5 million will play an important role in the growth of mussel production over the next couple of years as it addresses the need identified for working capital to finance aquaculture expansion.

Mr. Efford added: "Our mussel industry has been forging ahead and is indeed a key contributor to the ongoing development of the aquaculture sector in our province. This new working capital fund will help us advance in this new and exciting industry - an industry that government remains committed to through its research and development efforts."

Overall, the aquaculture sector produced 2,700 tonnes of product in 1998 with an estimated market value of $12.9 million. A 57 per cent production increase is expected for 1999, with an estimated market value of approximately $16 million.

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

1999 07 26         11:50 a.m.