NLIS 2
April 17, 2002
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)

 

Minister releases report from the panel on the
Structural Study of the Inshore Shrimp Fishery

Gerry Reid, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today released the final report from the panel on the Structural Study of the Inshore Shrimp Fishery, entitled A Review of the Cooked and Peeled Shrimp Industry. The panel, which was announced in December 2001, was chaired by Mr. David Vardy and assisted by Mr. Ross Peters and Mr. Brian Delaney.

"Since 1996, the shrimp fishery has rapidly grown in our province and is now a vital component of the future of our fishery," said Reid. "Last year, the shrimp fishery faced some serious challenges, including a closure which impacted thousands of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Given the value of this industry to our fishing sector, government, in agreement with FANL and the FFAW, established this panel to review the inshore shrimp fishery, with a view to recommending ways to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness in the industry. Today, we are releasing the final report of the panel, which represents an in-depth analysis of our shrimp fishery."

The panel was tasked to examine the Newfoundland and Labrador inshore shrimp industry in the context of the global competitive environment and to make recommendations in the areas of processing, harvesting and marketing. The final report covers a wide variety of issues relating to the inshore shrimp fishery and gives detailed insight into the challenges facing the industry. The panel conducted extensive consultations and commissioned several studies throughout their deliberations. The report concluded with several recommendations to the provincial government, the federal government and to industry.

"The panel made several recommendations to both levels of government and industry, aimed at improving the operation of the Newfoundland and Labrador shrimp fishery," added Reid. "Key recommendations to the province dealt with a requirement for increased and improved efforts in the areas of quality and marketing. The panel also made recommendations about resource allocations, collective bargaining and the possible establishment of an independent licensing board to deal with licensing issues in the industry.

Overall, I am very pleased with the work of the panel, and I would like to commend them for their thorough and thoughtful deliberations. They completed this study in a relatively short time frame, and I am hopeful that the resulting report will serve government and industry as we continue to grow and improve this shrimp fishery in the province. Given the extensive nature of the report, I will now take the appropriate time to thoroughly review its contents with officials within the department and industry stakeholders, so as to determine how best to apply the recommendations to our shrimp fishery. I should also point out that key to success in this regard, is increased and improved cooperation between the province, the federal government and industry. The necessity of a shared vision and coordinated approach, is vital to the future of our fishery."

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Communications, (709) 729-3733 or (709) 727-3438.

2002 04 17                         1:45 p.m.


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