Utilizing marine by-products focus of conference

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister R. John Efford says a major marine by-product utilization conference being held in Gander on January 31 and February 1, 2000 is another important step towards reaching the full utilization of all our fish products in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The two-day conference, entitled "Golden Commercial Opportunities from the Sea: Utilization of Marine By-Products" will feature several key speakers from such places as Norway, Iceland and the United States. Topics will include all aspects of by-product utilization, including availability of markets, raw material accessibility, processes for treating discards, and the economic potential that exists in the full utilization of by-products.

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture is one of the event�s sponsors and Mr. Efford said this initiative is reflective of his department�s commitment towards creating a more viable fishing industry, which includes diversification and maximizing the benefits from our valuable fish resources.

"My department is committed to full utilization of all by-products or discards and while there are some fish companies who are engaging in this process, there is still a large volume of raw material being dumped at sea or used for landfill. Not only is this an economic waste of protein, but it is also having a negative impact on our environment," said Mr. Efford.

"Full utilization of by-products such as shrimp and crab shells and other materials from groundfish operations translates into an additional $50 million to our economy, as well as the creation of hundreds of jobs," noted Mr. Efford.

Mr. Efford added that the conference will provide industry stakeholders with valuable insight into an area that has considerable economic potential, as well as provide an opportunity for partnerships to be formed.

The National Research Council of Canada, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Department of Development and Rural Renewal are also conference sponsors.

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

To obtain a copy of the conference agenda, call Trevor Thomas, Processing and Marketing Division, (709) 729-2538.

2000 01 28                                                     11:55 a.m.