Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation to Explore Maximizing the Value of Cod

The Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation has accepted a request by the Provincial Government to explore ways to improve the economic value of provincial cod resources. The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today announced the centre has committed to use research and industry engagement to examine the challenges and opportunities involved with generating greater economic benefit from this fishery.

“Cod harvesters and processors have expressed viability concerns, and the potential growth of the resource would have implications for harvesting and processing activity, as well as the marketing of provincial seafood products,” said Minister Dalley. “The Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation is a respected research and development entity that is ideally positioned to build consensus among industry players while identifying ways to improve the value of landings.”

In 2013 there have been approximately 14,000 tonnes of Atlantic cod quota available to provincial harvesters, however industry challenges have prevented full utilization of this resource. Engaging industry in examining each phase involved with bringing provincial cod to tables around the world is expected to help improve future activity.

“The Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation is pleased to lead a research effort that will attempt to improve the immediate and longer term outlook for provincial cod harvesters and processors,” said Robert Verge, Managing Director of the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation. “Working collaboratively with stakeholders, we will seek greater efficiencies and consider new approaches to bringing this species to market, with the overall goal of maximizing economic benefit from this fish resource.”

This research effort will be an ongoing process, and as opportunities are identified to enhance aspects of harvesting, processing, and marketing activity, the Centre may propose pilot projects to explore new approaches. Industry feedback will define the focus of research and the parameters of pilot projects.

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2013 10 08                                  5:05 p.m.