St. John’s – At the 39th meeting of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) in Montreal this week, all contracting nations agreed to a small but important 11% increase in the total allowable catch (TAC) of Greenland Halibut to 16,500 mt.
“The bulk of this resource is located along the deep-water slope of the continental shelf very near to the 200-mile limit,” observed Bruce Chapman, one of Canada’s two industry Commissioners to NAFO. “Canada’s 36% share of this TAC translates into 6,000 mt for 2018.”
Virtually all of Canada’s quota is held by license holders from Newfoundland & Labrador.
“While most of Canada’s quota is allocated to seasonal small-boat harvesters, the 31% share held by year-round offshore harvesters will help secure both at-sea and on-shore jobs,” stated Blaine Sullivan, Chief Operating Officer of Ocean Choice International (OCI). “OCI will re-invest the revenue from this opportunity into Newfoundland and Labrador communities.”
There are projected fluctuations in the number of small fish poised to enter the fishery which means this increase may be short-term.
“Greenland Halibut caught and frozen at sea receives a premium from international customers,” explained Alberto Wareham of Icewater Seafoods, located in Arnold’s Cove, NL. “Quality is key in overseas markets and this species, with its naturally oily flesh, is most desirable as a frozen-at-sea product. Having the ability to supply this premium quality product enables the province to improve its overall export value from this fishery, another example of benefits associated with having a balanced fishery.”
A balanced fishery is one that protects the viability of all fleet sectors, maximizes value and ensures the long-term sustainability of the fishery resources 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.