Newfoundland & Labrador groundfish Industry …ffaw.nf.ca/sites/ffaw.nf.ca/files/NLGIDC presentation to...NL-GIDC - Mandate Development of a “Plate to Ocean” strategic plan to

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

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