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NLIS 4
June 29, 2006
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)
 

All primary processing of seal pelts to be done in province  

As of April 1, 2008 , government will require that all seals landed in Newfoundland and Labrador undergo full primary processing, to the tanned stage, in this province. Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, made this announcement today at the seal tannery of the Barry Group Inc. in Catalina.  

�This new policy will create additional employment opportunities for residents of the province and have significant implications for our rural economy,� said Minister Rideout.  �The new policy will require that seal pelts be processed to a final consumer stage before leaving the province.�  

At present, there is no minimum processing requirement other than the seal be pelted by the harvester.  Some pelts are being salted and shipped out while other pelts are being tanned to the intermediate stage.  Approximately one half of the pelts harvested in the province are being fully processed to the stage that will now be required for all pelts harvested in Newfoundland and Labrador .  Complete primary processing means that the hides will be fully tanned.  This will fully prepare the pelts for secondary processing procedures such as garment production.  

�My department has consulted with the seal processing industry on this matter.  As we go forward, all companies involved will receive formal notice that this requirement will be implemented,� said the minister.  �Announcing this change in policy now provides ample opportunity for processors to obtain the necessary machinery and train sufficient workers to perform this procedure within their own operation by April 1, 2008 .  Alternatively, processing facilities may also make arrangements with other companies within the province to carry out all primary processing of the pelt before it leaves the province.�  

Roger Fitzgerald, MHA for Bonavista South, participated in the announcement and reiterated the long-term economic impacts that this policy change will generate for rural areas of the province.  

�I certainly applaud this policy decision by Minister Rideout,� said Mr. Fitzgerald.  �If further processing can be done in this province, then we should certainly demand it.  This policy change will result in more employment for residents of the province and will surely contribute to our rural economies.�  

Minister Rideout said, �It is vital that the people of our province receive maximum economic benefit from this very valuable resource, and indeed from all our natural resources.  The sealing industry is a significant source of income for thousands of families in coastal communities, at a time of year when employment opportunities are limited. It is a critical source of income in preparing for the upcoming fishing season.�  

�Our government is committed to all sectors of the fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador , as it is the key economic driver for rural regions of our province.  The institution of this policy certainly demonstrates government�s belief in the importance of achieving full economic benefits from our fishery and marine resources.�  

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3733, 690-8403  

 

BACKGROUNDER  

All seal pelts currently undergo some primary processing in Newfoundland and Labrador .  Four of the eight major seal processing facilities in Canada are located in this province, two of which have the capacity to provide full primary processing or tanning of seal hides.  Over the past number of years, these companies have been very successful in increasing their capacity for completing this procedure.  

The seal harvest registered a very vibrant year in 2005, with a landed value of approximately $15.7 million and a market value approaching $40 million. All indicators are that this industry has increased in value in 2006 and will continue to thrive in the future.  

Between 400 and 500 individuals are employed in the province�s seal processing facilities. An estimated 5,000 to 6,000 sealers participate in the seal harvest.  More than 90 per cent of harp seals harvested are harvested by Newfoundland and Labrador sealers.

2006 06 29                                                        12:45 p.m.


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