A baited cod pot fishery project has been completed on Fogo Island. The project was a success as all fish was grade A quality and top price was received for the product. The Provincial Government provided approximately $10,000 to support the development of a baited cod pot fishery on Fogo Island. This funding was allocated under the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program, which is part of the Fishing Industry Renewal Strategy.

"This project was an excellent opportunity to pursue options for producing a higher quality cod product," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, acting Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "It was also an opportunity to achieve higher prices for harvesters while at the same time pursuing a more environmentally friendly form of fishing. For these reasons, our government was pleased to support this project."

The project provided locally harvested cod to local restaurants. The cod was caught using baited pots which are considered to be a sustainable method of harvesting. It also enabled harvesters to achieve a higher price for their product because cod pods help to maintain the quality of the fish.

"This project was a collaborative initiative between the Provincial Government, the Shorefast Foundation, Marine Institute, Fogo Island Co-Op and the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation. At the end of the day, we are hopeful that the project will act as a model for the other communities in which harvesters, processors and restaurants can work together to provide top quality fish to consumers. With the exception of hand lining, few gears can produce the quality of fish captured using live baited pots," said Dr. Paul Winger, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Resources, at the Marine Institute.

As part of the project, a licensed harvester who had a commercial quota for cod was selected and provided with the necessary equipment to carry out the project. All cod were harvested following strict guidelines for quality.

"The project created awareness within national and international environments about the need for sustainable methods of fish harvesting that support conservation," said Minister Taylor. "This is a good thing at a time when consumers are increasingly looking at sustainability as a criteria for purchasing seafood products."

Much research has been carried out using cod pots since 2000. This involved constructing various different designs. "We have now reached a point in the research process where cod pots have proven to be an efficient means of harvesting," said Minister Taylor.

The Provincial Government has allocated $6 million over three years for research and development projects under the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program. Budget 2008 allocated $2 million for this year. To date, more than $1.6 million in project funding has been approved under the program. This program is a component of the Fishing Industry Renewal Strategy.

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