Fisheries and Aquaculture
May 11, 2016

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

Sealing Industry Provides Significant Economic Support to Harvesters

Mr. Speaker, last month, harvesters from our province headed out to sea, as they have done for many years, to participate in the annual seal harvest. The sealing industry provides significant economic support to many families throughout the province, particularly in coastal communities.

This year, over 66,000 seals have been harvested to date, with a landed value of over $2.3 million - almost double last year's catch. The purchase of seals from the 2016 harvest was conducted by the private sector, without the need for public sector financial assistance.

The Canadian seal harvest is one of the best managed harvests of animals anywhere in the world.The Canadian seal harvest is humane, sustainable and economically important.

The Provincial Government has a history of partnering with industry to support international marketing efforts, research and development projects in support of new products, and sealer training seminars. On May 17, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that I will be attending Seal Day on the Hill where I will meet with key industry players and other relevant jurisdictions to demonstrate our government's support for the sealing industry and its growth potential, particularly as we work to diversify our economy.

The sealing industry is economically valuable to the province and we will continue to work with stakeholders and the Federal Government to ensure its viability. We are unwavering in our commitment to achieve long-term sustainability and growth, and the investments we have made in the seafood industry help put our province in a better position.

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2016 05 11                              2:25 p.m.