Newfoundland & Labrador Groundfish Industry Development Council
NL-GIDC - Introduction Latest DFO Science suggested the 2J3KL Cod Stock was rebuilding quickly Over the next 3 years the stock is expected to grow by 30%/Year The time for a full commercial fishery was getting close (less than 10 years) The environment and the ecosystem are changing There was a realization that groups needed to start working together Stock rebuilding is clearly occurring What will be needed for rebuilding the industry The FFAW and a number of processors got together to develop the NL-GIDC The NL-GIDC was established in April, 2016 I was asked to be the Independent Chair in May, 2016
NL-GIDC - Mandate Development of a Plate to Ocean strategic plan to revitalize the province s groundfish industry with an emphasis on: the maximization of the export value of NL groundfish products improve the economic viability and the long-term sustainability of owner-operator enterprises, onshore processing plants and coastal communities. Provision of an oversight and advisory role with respect to the delivery of the Plate to Ocean strategic plan by fish harvesters and individual processing companies. Development of collaborative, industry-led solutions to the various issues that will arise as the NL fishing industry transitions back to groundfish. Forming a united industry lobby with regard to the provision of advice and input into the programs, policies, management plans and other initiatives of the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
NL-GIDC Principles These principles are intended to guide the NL-GIDC in the implementation of our Strategic Plan: Precautionary Approach Framework to be followed Protection of Spawning Aggregations Priority Access based on Adjacency and Historical Attachment Commitment to the 115,000 t Inshore Allowance Support the Integrated Plate to Ocean Approach Committed to Independent Owner-Operator Fleets
NL-GIDC Current Participants FFAW-Unifor (50% of Board of directors) Independent Chairperson EX Officio Members Department of Fisheries and Oceans Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods World Wildlife Fund Whitecap International Seafood Exporters Processors (9) (50% of Board of Directors The Barry Group Beothic Fish Processors Fogo Island Co-op Allen s Fisheries Golden Shell Fisheries Happy Adventures Sea Products Codroy Seafoods Limited Avalon Ocean Products Harbour Seafoods
NL-GIDC Objectives The Role of the NL-GIDC is to provide the necessary co-ordination as the industry transitions back to what was experienced in the 1980: TO: Fin fish dominated (Cod, Turbot, Capelin, etc) FROM: Shellfish dominated (Snow crab, shrimp, etc) In 2016 the Council s main focus was on 2J3KL Cod Joined the FFAW/WWF Fishery Improvement Plan for 2J3KL Cod Preparation of a 2J3KL cod fishery plan for 2016 Support for the FSSSB Cod Quality Project Research on evolving cod markets Todays Global Cod Production 1,300,000 t NL production in 2016 expected to be < 20,000 t In future, Council initiatives will include work on other Groundfish Species
NL-GIDC Cod Market Outlook Sales Strategy for NL Cod Production should be catered to customers who will need only high quality fish These customers will need a consistent supply of this quality product It will take time for NL to rebuild it s market share as volumes increase in the years to come NL Competition High quality from Iceland and Norway for high priced fresh product High quality frozen at sea product from Russian, Norwegian and Icelandic fleets Low quality, low priced Chinese products There will be a place in the market for NL products. We need to build a reputation of producing a high quality product that can be consistently supplied.
NL-GIDC 2016 2J3KL Cod Plan 2016 was a one year Stewardship Fishery Management Plan Extended season Weekly landing limits 2000 lbs/week up to the beginning of September, 3000 lbs/week after that There was no specific DFO total quota GIDC estimated the Total take to be approximately 11,000 t Removal of the requirement to fish in the harvesters home bay Other measures Gear restrictions (numbers of nets and hooks) Small fish protocol Monitoring of Landings Logbook completion
AVE F NL-GIDC Cod Plan Low F 0.25 Average F Ages 5-14 2016 projected horizontal line 0.2 0.15 0.1 0.05 0 YEAR Ave F 2016 Projected F
NL-GIDC Summary for 2016 There is still much work to do to rebuild markets for NL Cod Production However, in 2016: DFO Minister confirms the 115,000 inshore allowance Putting this issue to bed DFO Accepts the NL-GIDC Cod proposal Catch to the end of September was just under 8300 t in line with the Council proposal The above 2 points speaks to the credibility of the NL-GIDC Quality for 2016 better that expected (comment from many processors)
NL-GIDC - 2017 Continue to Promote the NL-GIDC and Groundfish Harvesting and Processing in Newfoundland and Labrador Prepare and submit a 2017 2J3KL cod stewardship proposal for submission to DFO FFAW and harvesters (& processors) need to start thinking about this at an early date Continue to promote the culture of quality in all fisheries Continue to support the FFAW (FSSSB) cod quality project Continue to work on the 2J3KL Cod Fishery Improvement Project Prepare this fishery for MSC certification when appropriate Expand the Council s work to other Groundfish Species