Fisheries and Aquaculture
December 15, 2008

Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program Funds Study of X-Ray Inspection Technology

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture will provide approximately $89,000 in funding to Cape Mariner Enterprises (CME) in O�Donnells, St. Mary�s Bay, to carry out a study on x-ray inspection technology. The funding will be provided under the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program which is a component of the Fishing Industry Renewal Strategy.

The purpose is to improve the inspection and removal of shell from cooked whelk (a species of large sea snails) in a commercial environment. The technology may also be used as a demonstration for others in the industry as this is the first time it will be availed of in this province.

"The implementation of this technology in the province�s seafood processing industry will be a step forward in the whelk fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "This technology provides an opportunity to increase consumer confidence and send the message that our industry is serious about improving the quality and integrity of our whelk product."

CME has identified a supplier that has previous experience in the area of whelk fish processing and will purchase the technology over the winter in time for the start of the 2009 fish processing season. The supplier offers a detection unit as well as an air nozzle system for removal of defective whelk.

The current method utilized for shell detection and removal of shell from whelk meat in the province is a combination of mechanical and manual effort, followed by a manual inspection operation utilizing four to six inspectors. While this process is effective, at present a small amount of shell can remain and result in a lost opportunity to maximize.

"I am extremely pleased with this funding announcement for Cape Mariner Enterprises," said Felix Collins, MHA for Placentia-St. Mary�s. "This piece of equipment will serve the industry well by enhancing the inspection process and, thus, allowing for increased efficiency and quality. As a result of this process, the company will have a much improved and more valuable product to market. I commend Cape Mariner Enterprise for its initiative and being a leader in the industry."

This is the second phase in a two phase study. Phase one determined that x-ray technology can identify shell and shell fragments in cooked whelk meat. The project will continue until the spring of 2009.

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.

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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

2008 12 15                                                    9:55 a.m.


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