Fisheries and Aquaculture
March 18, 2015

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture:

Seafood Expo North America

I rise in this Honourable House to highlight the success of the provincial delegation that attended Seafood Expo North America in Boston from March 15 to 17.

Mr. Speaker, this expo is the largest seafood trade event in North America, attracting over 20,000 industry representatives from more than 100 countries. In addition to facilitating hundreds of international trade opportunities for provincial seafood companies, the expo also provided me the opportunity to engage federal and provincial fisheries counterparts and various industry leaders on matters of mutual concern. Participants including Ocean Choice International, the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association, Northern Harvest, and Whitecap all noted the tremendous networking made possible by the expo, and expressed appreciation for the support they received at the Provincial Government’s Newfoundland and Labrador pavilion.

Our province continued to be a strong competitor in global seafood markets in 2014 with Provincial seafood being exported to more than 40 countries. The expo is instrumental in the increasing success of the seafood industry internationally. The United States is our largest export market, representing 37.4 per cent of export value in 2014. These trade achievements, in combination with our government’s commitment to research and development, science, marketing, and quality control, set the provincial seafood industry up for future success.

Mr. Speaker, since the early 1980s delegates have represented Newfoundland and Labrador at Seafood Expo North America and have proudly highlighted the strengths of our province’s fishing and aquaculture sectors. Seafood products from our province were showcased by local chefs Courtney Ralph and Damien Marner, with industry representatives from around the world interacting directly with those who make a living from seafood farmed and harvested off our coasts.

As one of the largest seafood trade events in the world, the expo is an excellent opportunity for the Provincial Government to work closely with the industry to strengthen current relationships and foster new ties with international players. This year there was a noticeable increase in the number of international buyers from Asia, who showed interest in Newfoundland and Labrador fresh, live and shellfish products. Identifying new export markets diversifies the industry and ensures that our seafood sector continues to flourish, creating benefits for families and communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker

2015 03 18                              2:20 p.m.