NLIS 4 June 29, 2006 (Fisheries and Aquaculture) All
primary processing of seal pelts to be done in province As
of �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 �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 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 Media
contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3733, 690-8403 BACKGROUNDER All
seal pelts currently undergo some primary processing in 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. 2006
06 29
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