Newfoundland and Labrador�s fishing industry continues to be challenged and must increase its international competitiveness, viability and environmental sustainability. The industry is faced with increasing global competition from lower cost producers; to be competitive we must be more efficient in the production of top quality products. In addition, we have world class expertise in harvesting and processing technologies, and quality assurance regimes that will maintain and strengthen our position as world class producers of quality seafood.

The objective of this element is to achieve optimal value for the province � the best mix of returns to harvesters, and spin offs including plant employment and secondary benefits through the development and/or transfer of new and innovative technology to the fishing industry. It will also include Research and Development work associated with the development of new species, products, markets and techniques to harvest, handle, process and market our marine fish resources.

A cornerstone of the renewal strategy will be the implementation of new technologies to harvest, process and market our marine fish resources. The Technology and New Opportunities element of the strategy will be supported by the Province through a collaborative effort with industry and Memorial University (MUN), including the Marine Institute and the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation (CCFI).

Resource development activities will include such things as implementing appropriate onboard handling technologies for all species, particularly high-value species, to reduce wastage / discards through use of sorting tables, temperature-controlled holds, Refrigerated Sea Water System, boxing or similar storage methods. Also planned are initiatives to introduce technologies to reduce or eliminate ghost-fishing, and to aim towards 100 per cent utilization of harvesting resources.

In the harvesting sector, special emphasis will be placed on cod, crab, shrimp to maximize the value of the catch. This would be accomplished through initiatives aimed at: altering the timing of the catch; improved onboard handling, storage and transport of these species, including improved onboard sorting (deck sorting tables); improved quality, crew safety and efficiency; reduced wastage; and, improved dockside grading.

The pelagics industry is of growing importance to the provinces economy. Efforts will focus on mid-water trawls for pelagic species, conservation and new harvesting and quality initiatives. Other developmental priorities could include exploration and development related to offshore clams, sand lance, whelk, hagfish, and sea cucumber.

In the processing sector, efforts will focus on better scheduling of production of finished products, handling systems and better utilization of by-product resources. This includes shell utilization for chitin or chitosan production, utilization of products such as male capelin for silage and feed purposes and full processing of all available seal meat products.

This province has not generally been able to avail of opportunities to supply the very lucrative markets for fresh fish, particularly in Europe. In 2006, the Province worked with private enterprise to start exploring opportunities to establish market links for this province. As a result some shipments of fresh groundfish are being directed to Europe, where market acceptance has been outstanding. It is expected that this initiative will be expanded significantly, with projects aimed at helping to underwrite risk as the private sector works to establish the shipping routes which will provide regular outlets for fresh products.

Three-year budget - $6,000,000

Funded by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

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