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
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
FFAW-Unifor (50% of
Board of directors)
Independent Chairperson
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
NL-GIDC Cod Plan – Low F
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
AV
E F
YEAR
Average F Ages 5-14
2016 projected horizontal line
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