Making further connections in the global seafood industry is a key priority for government and that goal was accomplished at the 2007 Boston Seafood Show. The Honourable Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and senior officials participated in meetings with a number of key players in the global industry while attending this year�s show. As well, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador hosted approximately 500 industry players at its reception.

Minister Rideout said, "Much was accomplished during this premier networking event for the North American seafood industry. I had the opportunity to meet with representatives of the industry from across Canada, the New England states, as well as the opportunity to talk with key representatives from the federal government."

While in Boston, the minister attended the Ministers and CEOs luncheon, a breakfast with local producers and the New England-Canada Business Council Luncheon. The minister and senior officials also met with Highliner Foods. The minister also attended the Canadian and New Brunswick receptions.

"The focus that we put on marketing our province�s seafood products in Boston is representative of the strategy that our government is trying to pursue across the industry," said the minister. "We support an �Ocean to Plate� approach to the fishery, a point we have made again and again as we pursue the Fishing Industry Renewal Initiative. It is critical that stakeholders throughout the fishing industry approach seafood as a product to be sold in the internationally competitive global marketplace. The challenges and opportunities demonstrated at this show validate the comprehensive and integrated approach that we need to take in developing our provincial seafood industry."

The Newfoundland and Labrador booth was visited by federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, the Honourable Loyola Hearn, and the federal Ambassador for Fisheries Conservation, Loyola Sullivan. "Representatives of my department received much positive feedback on the new look of the Newfoundland and Labrador Seafood Booth and the new provincial brand. This speaks to the fact that our new brand is receiving recognition and will support our efforts to market provincial goods and services in an international environment."

Also while attending the show Minister Rideout had the opportunity to visit the booths of key industry players such as the Barry Group, Ocean Choice International, Fishery Products International and Cooke Aquaculture.

"Many opportunities exist to grow the markets for Newfoundland and Labrador�s seafood products and it was a pleasure to see so many local producers participating in this world renowned international event," said the minister. "Seafood marketing will continue to be a priority for our government."

Photo #1: Minister Rideout and Crystal Bourne of Academy Canada at the Newfoundland and Labrador reception in Boston. Crystal was the winner of a seafood cooking competition held in February. The event was sponsored by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Crystal was one of the chefs at the reception.

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

2007 03 13                                                       9:50 a.m.