Fisheries and Aquaculture
July 16, 2008

Through an investment of $89,000, the Provincial Government is supporting efforts by the Association of Seafood Producers (ASP) to reduce energy costs in the fish processing sector in Newfoundland and Labrador. The funds have been made available under the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program.

"The high cost of energy is one of the greatest challenges facing the fishing industry at present time," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Acting Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "While it is a global factor over which we have no direct control, opportunities do exist whereby we can find ways to mitigate the impact. This is a great initiative that will be undertaken by ASP and I certainly look forward to seeing the results."

With this funding, ASP will hire a consultant to prepare an in-depth Energy Reduction Strategy at two multi-species processing facilities within the province. It will include an energy audit of all operations and the identification of cost-saving measures to reduce energy costs and alternate technologies to reduce and recycle energy. Once completed, the association and the Provincial Government have committed to make the results of the study available to all industry processors, not just those represented by ASP.

"The association appreciates very much government�s partnership in this initiative," said Derek Butler, Executive Director of ASP. "Hopefully, it will be the first stage in a long-term effort to deal with increasing energy costs in the industry. This initial study is one of the very visible ways we can work to better the industry, and we are pleased with the support we are receiving for it."

The Provincial Government is also intending to work with the Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW), the Marine Institute and other pertinent stakeholders to implement an energy efficiency and conservation initiative for the harvesting sector.

To date, more than $1 million has been approved under the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program, which is part of a series of initiatives that were created under the Fishing Industry Renewal Strategy.

"Representatives of all sectors of the fishing industry continue to take full advantage of this particular program for a variety of new and innovative projects," said Minister Taylor. "It is clear that the spirit and intent of the program is being achieved and we are certainly impressed with the initiatives undertaken by industry. To that end, we continue to encourage all industry participants to fully utilize this program."

Under the Fishing Industry Renewal Strategy, the province has allocated $6 million over three years to administer the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program. This includes $2 million in Budget 2008. This is part of a $140 million undertaking by the Provincial Government for the various programs and provisions that are part of the strategy.

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