St. John’s – This week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared his government’s focus on decisions in the fishery with reporters in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Prime Minister re-iterated his position that, “decisions will be based on science and the long-term health of our oceans and the communities that serve them” and decisions by his government will be “very thoughtful about how (they) ensure that there is a long-term sustainable wild fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador for future generations”.
These core values of science-based decisions and a long-term sustainable wild-fishery that will empower communities to survive and thrive into the future is shared by the Groundfish Enterprise Allocation Council (GEAC).
“GEAC shares the federal government vision and has taken an active role in ensuring the sustainability of both fish stocks and communities,” explains Kris Vascotto, Executive Director. “For example, on Northern Cod we have been advocating for the ‘go slow’ approach, calling for caution to ensure the stock is able to rebuild to levels that allow a viable fishery rather than premature increases to the total catch. At the same time, our members are re-investing in facilities and crews to make sure that the benefits of our wild fisheries are felt in rural communities.”
A balanced fishery, one that protects the viability of both the inshore and offshore fleets, ensures the long-term sustainability of the fishery. Part of protecting the inshore, and realizing the vision for a prosperous fishery, is inclusion of the year-round offshore. For example, the offshore complements the inshore by allowing Newfoundland and Labrador to supply the year-round fresh market.
“Arnold’s Cove is a great example of a balanced fishery at work,” explains Alberto Wareham of Icewater Seafoods. “By processing cod from the inshore in the summer and early fall, we keep over 200 people working. When inshore cod is no longer available, we rely on fish from larger year-round vessels to keep those 200 people employed. This cooperative approach leads to securing year-long contracts in premium markets. In Arnold’s Cove, not only does this mean year-round employment for 200 employees, it also means a higher price per pound for inshore harvesters when we buy their fish.”
“So it truly is a scenario of where a rising tide floats all boats,” Wareham adds.
As part of their vision for a balanced and sustainable fishery, GEAC members continue to lead and partner with government, academia and communities to invest in science and communities. Just last month, Ocean Choice International contributed $500,000 to the establishment of an Industrial Research Chair in fish stock assessment and sustainable harvest advice.
“At Ocean Choice, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. That’s means investing in science, as well as investing in our employees which are based in over 300 communities throughout the province,” says Martin Sullivan, CEO of Ocean Choice International. “In Fortune, for example, we’ve invested millions to convert it to process groundfish and have just committed to invest another $1M to be able to process redfish in the town. We re-invested our revenues to provide security and a future for Fortune. We expect this investment to continue into the future provided that we continue to be able to access the quotas we need to keep all of our operations viable,” added Sullivan.
GEAC and its members look forward to continued collaboration between industry, government, communities and academia as we work together towards a sustainable fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Media Contact:
Sarah Fleming
709.725.5830 I sarah@covepublicaffairs.ca
About GEAC
The Groundfish Enterprise Allocation Council is a non-profit association representing year-round groundfish harvesters in Atlantic Canada. GEAC contributes to research that will improve the sustainability and management of groundfish fisheries by actively supporting science, sustainability certifications and responsible management.
About Icewater Seafoods
Icewater Seafoods is a family-owned, vertically integrated business operating in Arnold’s Cove, focused exclusively on selling cod globally. As the only world-class cod processing plant in North America, Icewater is focused on producing premium quality products for the European and North American markets. Icewater Seafoods has been in operation in Arnold’s Cove since 2004 and President, Alberto Wareham, is the 7th generation Wareham in the groundfish business.
About Ocean Choice International
Ocean Choice International, a 100% family owned and operated NL company, is one of Canada’s leading vertically integrated seafood harvesting, processing and marketing companies with operations throughout Atlantic Canada and sales and marketing offices around the world. OCI employees 1,800 people annually, including those from more than 300 communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. For further information visit www.oceanchoice.com.