Zone16 aquaculture

The Economy 2010 states provincially, the fishing industry recorded a difficult year in 2009 due to low market prices, continuous pressure from low-cost producers, and an appreciating Canadian dollar. Employment in the industry declined averaging 10,300 down from 12,000 in 2008. Declines occurred on both the harvesting and processing sides of the industry. Harvesting employment averaged 5,600 down from 6,500 in 2008 while processing employment fell to 4,700 from 5,500.

Sources within the Fisheries Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW) report the Fishery in this region creates 2,322 direct jobs, apply the 3:1 rule this equates to 6,966 jobs. Statistics Canada 2006 indicates a population of 21,600 with the Fishery Industry related employment equalling 49%. The region's fishery supports 382 fishing enterprises, with 333 small boats less than 40 feet and 49 vessels mainly under 65 feet with 1,366 fish harvesters, 12 dockside monitors, four at-sea observers, 15 graders, five regional buyers, 15-20 outside buyers. The region is home to six processing plants employing 910 workers at peak season.

SRDC in partnership with NLREDA and the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation will be holding a session early in the new year to examine opportunities related to the capture fishery (harvesting, processing, marketing, etc.). This session will start from the basics: how the industry is structure, what is happening in other fishing nations, and industry trends.

CFI says that they are prepared to work with REDB's to provide follow up advise, support and research. This session is really the beginning of a process.

The Fisheries and aquaculture industry in our region...