Fisheries and Aquaculture
December 20, 2013

Provincial Fisheries Inspection Program Supports Long-Term Economic Prosperity

Inspection Program Ensures Province Produces Top Quality Seafood

The Provincial Government’s comprehensive fish inspection program continued to safeguard Newfoundland and Labrador’s reputation as a high quality source of seafood again this year. Throughout the course of 2013, more than 3,500 inspections were carried out during harvesting, processing, handling, transportation and storage of provincial seafood products.

“The Provincial Government is dedicated to maintaining the high quality of our seafood products, and our strong reputation in the international market. Our highly trained inspection staff and rigorous inspection protocols help ensure our provincial seafood will consistently meet the standards and expectations of consumers throughout the world.”
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture

As part of the Provincial Government’s efforts to enhance quality control for seafood products, a Quality, Compliance and Enforcement Program was established for inspectors in 2007. This program provides advanced training in numerous aspects of fish inspection and regulation enforcement, including legislation and licensing, inspection techniques, criminal law, and law enforcement ethics. The program has 17 modules, with students receiving training through classroom and hands-on exercises. The program produced its first eight graduates in 2013, all of whom received an Advanced Diploma in Quality, Compliance and Enforcement.

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

• More than 3,500 inspections were carried out this year during harvesting, processing, handling, transportation and storage of seafood products to protect the province’s reputation as one of the finest suppliers of seafood in the world.
• The Quality, Compliance and Enforcement Program training covers numerous aspects related to fish inspection, including: legislation and licensing, inspection techniques, criminal law, and law enforcement ethics.
• Program modules were administered in partnership with College of the North Atlantic, the Marine Institute, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Canadian Coast Guard.

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Media contact:
Jason Card
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 699-0470
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca 

2013 12 20             11:30 a.m.