November 15, 1999
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)

Cod farming focus of seminar

A cod grow-out strategy seminar to be held in Clarenville on Wednesday, November 17 by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture will focus on opportunities for growth in cod farming in the province, as well as determine ways to reach full utilization of existing cod farming licences.

The one-day seminar, which will take place at the Clarenville Inn, is being held in conjunction with industry stakeholders and other provincial and federal departments and agencies, and will feature several speakers, including Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister John Efford.

Mr. Efford said there are a number of issues in cod farming that need to be addressed if we want this aspect of the aquaculture industry to grow. He added that the seminar will assist his department in dealing with policy issues surrounding cod grow-out and identify ways to move forward and increase cod grow-out production.

"We have made considerable progress in the area of cod farming over the past couple of years, which is the result of a collaborative effort between both levels of government and industry. We need to determine what direction we want to go in with this new industry and look at how we can utilize all 39 licences that have been issued to date," said Mr. Efford. "I believe there is economic potential in cod farming, which is another example of our efforts to build a more diversified and sustainable fishery. This emerging industry can make a significant contribution to the economies of rural Newfoundland and Labrador."

The concept for cod farming is to increase the value of cod harvested by cod trap fishermen by growing it out for four or five months, doubling its weight, and then marketing the product when market prices are higher.

In 1999 cod farming in the province is expected to produce 300,000 lbs of market product, up from 70,000 in 1998.

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

1999 11 15                          9:50 a.m.