Shrimp and Crab Workshop Promotes Economic
Prosperity for Northern Labrador Harvesters

$22,000 Provided to Enhance Northern Fisheries

The Torngat Joint Fisheries Board will receive Provincial Government support to hold a workshop in Nain this November to help establish industry best practices for Nunatsiavut crab and shrimp harvesters.

“The Provincial Government is pleased to foster greater professionalization of fishing activity in Northern Labrador, as shrimp and crab harvesting has the potential to generate significant economic activity in the region. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is dedicated to providing effective and sustainable programs and services, and supporting the continued vibrancy of the provincial economy.”
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture

The communal snow crab and inshore shrimp fisheries are very important to the region, and industry stakeholders agree there is a need to enhance resource management, product handling, and quality control in order to improve the economic benefits generated from these fisheries. The workshop will create a learning opportunity for all participants, and is intended to improve their overall approach in these areas.

“We are very pleased to work with our partners to co-host fisheries workshops in Nunatsiavut. The workshops provide an important opportunity to share information, develop research priorities, and weigh policy options.”
- John Mercer, Chairperson, Torngat Joint Fisheries Board

Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries, and building a vibrant economy.

QUICK FACTS

• The Torngat Joint Fisheries Board will hold a workshop in November for harvesters in Northern Labrador, which is intended to improve the way the communal snow crab and inshore shrimp fisheries are carried out.
• Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future included a $2.2 million investment in the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program, which has promoted innovation in the province’s billion dollar fishing and aquaculture industry by assisting more than 230 research and development projects since 2008.
• The Nunatsiavut Government communal fishery has a federally approved total allowable catch of 310 metric tonnes of crab, and a total allowable catch of 1,260 tonnes of shrimp. This workshop is aimed at achieving greater utilization of the resource.
• The total cost of the project will be approximately $50,000, with other costs covered by the Nunatsiavut Government and the Torngat Joint Fisheries Board.
• Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture staff will provide support to the board with respect to workshop preparations.

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2013 11 12                                     1:50 p.m.