The Honourable Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, will be in Boston over the weekend to take part in the seafood show and outline to the world that Newfoundland and Labrador has the finest seafood products in the world.

"I am very much looking forward to taking part in this year�s Boston Seafood Show," said Minister Rideout. "This is one of the largest seafood shows in the world and my delegation and I will be taking advantage of every opportunity to showcase our seafood products on the global stage. Our government has committed to do what we can to ensure that our seafood products are at the forefront of the global marketplace and we are taking steps to ensure that this commitment continues to be met."

The minister added that the Boston Seafood Show also provides a tremendous opportunity for the province to strengthen and develop new relationships within the aquaculture sector.

"New England is a major market for our aquaculture products, as it is to those states that we export the majority of our mussels and farmed salmon," said Minister Rideout. "Under this administration, the aquaculture sector is emerging as a flagship sector in the rural economy of our province. Any new ties that we can establish will assist with the rapid growth of this industry.

"Our government will also be hosting a reception that will be attended by industry representatives," continued the minister. "This reception provides seafood representatives from our province the opportunity to make business contacts with people all over the world. It also gives international delegates the opportunity to sample a wide variety of Newfoundland and Labrador seafood products that are provided by the provincial seafood industry. We are quite proud of the fact that our provincial reception is regarded as the premier networking event of the show."

While in Boston, the minister and senior officials will be meeting with industry and government representatives. This will include meetings with the Canadian Seafood Industry Roundtable, a CEO�s luncheon and a meeting with local processors. They will also be attending the Canadian and New Brunswick receptions. As well, Minister Rideout will tour the trade show with federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, the Honourable Loyola Hearn, and Canadian Fisheries Ambassador Loyola Sullivan.

In Budget 2006, government allocated $100,000 to enhance the promotion of the province�s seafood products and develop a broader range of international market opportunities through increased participation in international trade exhibitions. An additional $265,000 was allocated to support new initiatives aimed at addressing seafood trade and market barriers.

"We are pleased to be making the most of every opportunity to promote our province�s seafood for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians," said the minister.

-30-

Media contact:
Lori Lee Oates
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 690-8403
oatesll@gov.nl.ca

2007 03 09                                                      2:30 p.m.