Fisheries and Aquaculture
April 7, 2015
Supporting Rural Economies, Communities and Families
Provincial Government Supports 2015 Seal Harvest
The sealing industry remains an important contributor to the provincial economy providing economic benefits to people and communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The Provincial Government announced today that it is providing $2 million to support the purchase of seals from the 2015 harvest. This support comes in the form of loans to Carino Processing Ltd. and PhocaLux International Inc. of up to $1 million each.
“Our government has a strong track record of supporting this valuable industry which provides direct and indirect benefits to people and communities, particularly those in rural regions. These loans will help to ensure income for sealers and processing workers throughout the province and support the long-term viability of fish stocks off our shores. Previous loans to Carino Processing Ltd. have been paid back in full, on time and with interest and have shown such financial assistance to be a sound investment in a humane and sustainable harvest. PhocaLux International’s entry into the seal processing sector is a testament to the commercial opportunities that exist and we are committed to helping this industry reach its full potential”
- The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
The $2 million in loan funding will go toward the purchase of seal meat, pelts and fat to be processed by Carino Processing Ltd. at its facility in South Dildo and by PhocaLux International Inc. at its facility in Fleur de Lys. Each company will make matching contributions for processing and marketing activities.
“Carino is pleased with the continuing strong support of the Provincial Government for the Canadian sealing sector. At Carino we are committed to ensuring that the highest standards of food safety, sustainability and animal welfare are maintained along the supply chain of our highly valuable edible and non-edible products.”
- Dion Dakins, Chief Executive Officer, Carino Processing Ltd.
The annual seal harvest is closely monitored and carried out professionally and humanely using procedures that have been recommended and endorsed by veterinarians. All commercial seal harvesters are required to complete humane harvesting, quality, health and handling training.
“We are a new company composed of a group of determined sealers and business people working together to advance this important and sustainable industry. Our intention is to fully utilize seals in our operations as we see this as key to ensuring the successful growth and evolution of the industry. We thank the Provincial Government for its confidence in our company and the sealing industry as a whole. Together we can ensure this industry continues to honour its storied past while adapting to the market needs of the future.”
- Bernie Halloran, Chief Executive Officer, PhocaLux International Inc.
In addition to providing loans for inventory financing, the Provincial Government has assisted the sealing industry over the past several years with funding to support international marketing efforts, research and development projects in support of new products and sealer training seminars.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government is providing $2 million to support the purchase of seals from the 2015 harvest in the form of loans to Carino Processing Ltd. and PhocaLux International Inc. of up to $1 million each.
- Funding will go toward the purchase of seal meat, pelts and fat and help to ensure income for sealers and processing workers throughout the province and support the long-term viability of fish stocks. Each company will make matching contributions for processing/marketing activities.
- There are currently in excess of seven million harp seals in the Northwest Atlantic population.
- The annual seal harvest is carried out professionally and humanely using procedures that have been recommended and endorsed by veterinarians. All commercial seal harvesters are required to complete humane harvesting, quality, health and handling training.
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Media contacts:
|
Roger Scaplen Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 697-5267 rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca |
Dion Dakins Chief Executive Officer Carino Processing Ltd. 709-682-5804 dd@carino.ca |
| Shannon Lewis Executive Director PhocaLux International Inc. 709-253-4332, 532-7925 phocalux@gmail.com |
2015 04 07 3:40 p.m.