The Provincial Government will provide up to $100,000 in funding to the Centre for Aquaculture and Seafood Development (CASD) to examine ways to ensure a more sustainable yellowtail fishery. The funding is being provided through the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program, as part of the Fishing Industry Renewal Strategy. This initiative is part of a larger project being carried out by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Memorial University of Newfoundland, the Fisheries and Marine Institute, Ocean Choice International (OCI) and, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

"This project will conduct leading edge research to improve operational aspects of the yellowtail fishery in the province," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "It is important to always seek opportunities to improve the quality of our seafood products. We are operating in a very competitive global marketplace and every edge we can achieve will help to ensure a more sustainable fishing industry into the future."

This initiative is part of a three-year project valued at approximately $1.4 million. It will examine three different areas of the yellowtail fishery including harvesting, processing and knowledge management. The portion of the project being funded by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture will examine processing components of the fishery, including onboard and in-plant practices related to quality and yield.

"This project is very important to OCI�s Marystown operations as well as our trawler fleet," said Blaine Sullivan, Chief Operating Officer for OCI. "The overall objective of this research initiative is to analyze and explore ways to enhance the yellowtail fishery from harvest to market. We have collaborated with the Marine Institute on several occasions in the past and look forward to the outcome of this project."

"This investment is great for the workers at OCI Marystown," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, MHA for Burin Placentia West. "A more sustainable yellowtail fishery will contribute to the future viability of the groundfish industry in our province. Our government is committed to ensuring the fishery continues to be a sustainable and thriving industry."

The project will be carried out by the Marine Institute through the CASD. The work will involve four modules. In addition to a review of literature on the species, CASD will review historical data at OCI that is related to quality and yield. The onboard data collected will include information on water depth, temperature, sea state, location of the trawl, various process times and freezing. Samples will be taken in key areas and upon returning to port, will be examined at the Marine Institute for various quality attributes. Assessments will be made related to the quality of the final product, with a review of the final yield and bruising data.

"This project will both maintain and improve the economic viability of the yellowtail fishery," said Glenn Blackwood, Executive Director of the Marine Institute. "The fishery is a major economic driver for many regions of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Marine Institute is pleased to partner with industry and government on this important initiative."

The Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program is a critical component of the Fishing Industry Renewal Strategy. Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation allocated $2 million for this program which was designed to support the harvesting, processing and marketing sectors, and ultimately increase the overall viability of the province�s seafood industry.

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