The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources, is announcing an innovative, value-added opportunity for the shrimp processing sector, which could see several thousand additional tonnes of shrimp processed onshore with a potential value of millions of dollars and significant job creation for rural communities.
Offshore shrimp has been landed in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Maritime provinces, Iceland and Norway for many years. In 2018, offshore vessels landed approximately 30,000 tonnes of frozen-at-sea shrimp in Newfoundland and Labrador, almost all of which was transshipped for export markets.
To create increased value and benefit for Newfoundland and Labrador, an arrangement has been struck between offshore shrimp companies and onshore processors that will better utilize shrimp resources by making additional frozen-at-sea “industrial shrimp” (smaller shrimp, frozen with shell-on) available for onshore processing in this province. Previously, only a small fraction of industrial shrimp was processed in this province.
As of April 15, offshore shrimp companies landing frozen-at-sea industrial shrimp will give onshore processors the opportunity to buy. A process has been established to create a streamlined barrier-free pathway for this to occur. Participating offshore companies will give five days’ notice to onshore processors advising the vessel’s estimated landing date and port, volume of industrial shrimp onboard and the price. Onshore processors who wish to purchase that industrial shrimp for processing will submit an expression of interest.
The Newfoundland and Labrador fishery employs nearly 16,000 people from 400 communities. Support for the seafood industry delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation and deliver better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
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“This innovative and collaborative arrangement will give inshore processing companies every opportunity to increase production and employment at facilities here in Newfoundland and Labrador. These measures to support offshore harvesters and processors will help ensure both have access to this important resource and the valuable employment opportunities it provides in rural communities.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources
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