Fisheries and Aquaculture
December 27, 2013
Investments in Harvesting Innovations Support a Prosperous Fishery
The Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation Receives $15,000 to Advance New Whelk Sorting Technology
The Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation, in partnership with the Marine
Institute’s Centre for Aquaculture and Seafood Development, will receive
approximately $15,000 through the Provincial Government’s Fisheries
Technology and New Opportunities Program to further refine new technology
that sorts whelk as it is harvested at sea. The current prototype is used to
separate and return undersized whelk back into the water. Planned
refinements are expected to improve quality by reducing the amount of
handling the product receives, and also enhance the ergonomics of the
equipment and reduce the time required to harvest.
“Enhancing harvesting efficiency is vital to maximizing the value of
provincial whelk resources for harvesters. Our investment of
approximately $15,000 will further develop sorting machinery that could
significantly save costs and reduce time on the water, which would benefit
all harvesters in this sector.”
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
The whelk fishery is concentrated in the waters off the south coast of the
island, and has generated substantial harvesting activity in recent years,
with annual landings of approximately 5,000 tonnes. With refinement, this
new sorting equipment has the potential to provide significant efficiencies
while simultaneously removing and returning almost all of the undersized
whelk back to the ocean, which would significantly improve the value
harvesters receive per pound of catch.
“The Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation has contributed to
approximately 800 fishery-related research and development projects to
enhance harvesting, processing and aquaculture operations and develop global
competitive advantage. We appreciate the ongoing cooperation we enjoy
from the Provincial Government and the Marine Institute, and look forward to
completing this research project, which could significantly benefit whelk
harvesters in the future.
- Robert Verge, Managing Director, Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation
Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of
Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment,
encouraging the development of innovative industries, and building a vibrant
economy.
QUICK FACTS
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Media contacts:
Jason Card Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 699-0470 jasoncard@gov.nl.ca |
Robert Verge Managing Director Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation 709-778-0542 Robert.Verge@mi.mun.ca |
2013 12 27 2:20 p.m.