St. John’s – On Friday, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) announced the important opening of the 3Ps cod fishery (cod caught off the South Coast of Newfoundland) for the greater than 100’ sector. Although the year-round harvesters’ long-standing quota share is only approximately 14 per cent of the Canadian Total Allowable Catch (TAC), it helps create a year-round cod fishery in the province, which has a significant impact on jobs and the ability to compete in global markets.
Specifically, the opened fishery means the 200 employees at the Icewater Seafoods plant in Arnold’s Cove can breathe easy knowing they will continue to operate through the winter months. The plant processes only cod, and still, its employees averaged 32 weeks of full-time work last year because of a balanced supply of cod from both the seasonal and year-round fisheries.
“We process cod from the inshore seasonal vessels in the summer and early fall. When that cod is no longer available, we rely on larger year-round vessels to keep our 200-people employed,” explains Alberto Wareham, President and CEO of Icewater Seafoods. “We have entire families working in our plant, so I know they’re relieved to know their jobs are secured.”
“Our customers in premium markets operate on year-round contracts, so being able to supply year-round product is critical. This means the balanced fishery approach not only provides employment for a community, but it also secures contracts in premium markets, which in turn means a higher price per pound for inshore harvesters when we buy their fish,” Wareham added.
The announcement is welcomed news for year-round harvesters who also depend on the quota for employment. Kyle Snook, Mate on the Ocean Breaker explains, “Year-round, good paying jobs are hard to find in rural communities, so it’s certainly good news. It’s a huge relief, especially so close to Christmas.”
“We fully support protecting the seasonal inshore harvester’s quota share. But the offshore sector’s 14% share provides employment for year-round harvesters on our vessels, who also deserve to have their livelihoods protected,” added Blaine Sullivan, Chief Operating Officer of Ocean Choice International. “This cod will be landed and processed locally at a time when there isn’t any other cod available to keep plants operating. It’s a small share, and we supported and advocated for the 50% decrease this year, but the remaining catch is an important part the local economy.”
As part of its commitment to a sustainable fishery, the Groundfish Enterprise Allocation Council (GEAC), the industry association representing the >100’ fleet, asked DFO to reduce its own members’ catch by 50% on the basis of concern for the stock and the principle of responsible resource management.
“GEAC and its members are proud of their unwavering commitment to resource sustainability,” added Dr. Kris Vascotto, Executive Director of GEAC. “In fact, at the 3Ps Groundfish Advisory Committee meeting last year, we were the only sector willing to see its catch reduced today for the sustainability of tomorrow.”
In response to the latest science on the 3Ps cod stock, a Fisheries Improvement Program recently launched by GEAC includes an Action Plan designed to help address outstanding questions that are keeping the stock from performing as expected. In the coming years, improvements in modelling, understanding of catch and the role of oceanic change will hopefully help guide a course to long-term sustainable fishery.
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Media Contact:
Sarah Fleming,
Director of Communications, Groundfish Enterprise Allocation Council,
709.725.5830 I sarah@covepublicaffairs.ca
About GEAC
The Groundfish Enterprise Allocation Council is a non-profit industry 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 employs approximately 1,800 people annually, including those from more than 300 communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. For further information visit www.oceanchoice.com.