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November 3, 1999
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)


Policy for issuing cod farming licences announced

R. John Efford, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today announced conditions for issuing cod farming licences in 2000.

Mr. Efford said cod farming has excellent potential for economic development in coastal communities around the province and his department's policy for new licences in 2000 will ensure that the orderly development of this emerging industry continues.

The following policy applies for issuing new licences:

  1. Grow-out licences will only be issued to cod trap harvesters.

  2. Harvesters holding a licence for 1999 will be able to renew the licence if requirements are met as per the 2000 policy.

  3. For new cod farming entrants in 2000, only 30 licences will be issued in the following areas:

    2J3KL - 25 licences
    3P-4R - 5 licences

    These new licences will be issued following receipt of an application and business proposal from cod trap harvesters meeting the following criteria: have access to cod; have made provision to provide the necessary equipment for their operation; have made provision for adequate supply of feed; and have the necessary ability and resources to make their operation viable.

Mr. Efford said any individual or company wanting to renew their 1999 licence can do so and will be eligible to purchase live cod from other cod trap fishermen without requiring a buyers licence. He added that if an individual or company does not utilize their licence in an area where the fishery is open, the department may cancel the licence if a satisfactory explanation isn't provided. Of the 38 cod grow-out licences currently issued, seven were utilized in 1999.

"Cod farming in the province is showing positive results, and we believe this new initiative is a good way for harvesters to maximize the value from a limited cod resource, resulting in increased prosperity for their families," said Mr. Efford. "The cod grow-out industry has the potential to create economic development in rural communities that have been affected by the downturn in the groundfishery."

Applications and proposals must be postmarked no later than December 10, 1999. Late applications will not be accepted.

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

Industry contact: Bob Hoyles, Aquaculture Branch, (709) 729-3040.

1999 11 03                          11:00 a.m.


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