Beothic Fish Processors Ltd. is pursuing a project to develop a new brining process for mackerel fillets. The Provincial Government will provide funding of approximately $30,000 toward the project through the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program (FTNOP). This project has the potential to create new opportunities in the province's seafood processing sector.

"Development of new seafood products can be extremely beneficial to the Newfoundland and Labrador fishing industry," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "In order for the seafood processing sector to remain competitive in the global marketplace it is imperative that our industry stay on the leading edge of new seafood products. Projects such as this one may open up opportunities for our industry to attract new customers and enter new markets. This will help to make the province's fishing industry more sustainable over the long-term."

Beothic Fish Processors Ltd. has been examining different means of adding value by developing new product formulations. The company has identified a market for brined and frozen mackerel fillets and plans to utilize fresh frozen 400-600 gram mackerel to produce individually frozen brined fillets. They will engage technical assistance from a prospective customer to train management and employees in best practices related to the brining process. The outcome of this project will determine if the product will be produced on a regular basis.

"Beothic is committed to doing more with the raw material that we purchase and this is one example," said Paul Grant, Executive Vice-president of Beothic Fish Processors Limited.　"High production costs are often a deterrent to such projects. However, where economically viable value-added projects are identified, we must pursue them for the long-term benefit of the company and its workforce."

The majority of mackerel currently being produced in Newfoundland and Labrador is marketed in whole round form and sold mainly into markets in Asia and Europe. The proposed product line represents an innovation with respect to brine fillets being individually packaged and frozen. The company expects that up to three containers of product will be produced during the project.

"A multi-species processing establishment has been operated by Beothic Fish Processors Ltd. in the Valleyfield area of the Bonavista Peninsula for many years," said Minister Jackman." The company has been innovative and progressive in moving forward to try and diversify into new product lines, provide additional employment and maintain a strong presence in the global marketplace. This is the key to further development of our province's seafood processing sector."

"I am really pleased to see our government partnering with Beothic Fish Processors on this project," said the Honourable Harry Harding, Minister of Government Services and MHA for Bonavista North. "Beothic has always been a leader in fisheries research and innovative projects. This funding will help them determine if it is feasible to implement the mackerel enhancement process in the future on a full-time basis. It will be most beneficial to the workers, harvesters, the company and the industry, as a whole."

The Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program is an important component of the Fishing Industry Renewal Strategy. Of the $6 million allocated to the program since its launch in the spring of 2007, the program has invested approximately $5.1 million in industry-driven projects. A total of 118 projects have been funded since the program was created. Investment in FTNOP has leveraged an additional $16.3 million from the industry and its partners. The program has generated a total of $21.4 million for fishing industry research and development in the province.

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