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August 12, 1997
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)

Quality Awareness Program producing results

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister John Efford says fish harvesters and processors can take credit for the marked improvement in the quality of fish on board vessels and in processing plants since the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture implemented a quality awareness program this year.

Mr. Efford said that the improvement in product quality has been made possible with the cooperation of harvesters, transporters and plant operators who have adopted quality assurance measures such as icing of catches both at sea and at processing facilities.

"I know that many who are involved are having ice trucked to them from as far away as 200 kilometres or more so that they can be sure our markets receive only premium fish and seafood products. Efforts such as these will pay dividends for everyone in the long term," he said.

Developing a quality assurance program was a key principle of the province's new fish processing policy announced on March 31 this year. Since then, program criteria were developed in consultation with representatives from industry, and have been applied in the seal, capelin, groundfish and crab fisheries thus far. A priority of the quality assurance program is to raise awareness, and educate and encourage harvesters and processors on proper methods of handling, storing and transporting fish.

Mr. Efford said quality assurance initiatives will continue to improve the province's reputation for fish and seafood in the marketplace, and in cases where product quality is threatened, appropriate measures will be taken to correct the situation.

Such an instance occurred last week when the minister issued a temporary order to fish processors not to purchase cod harvested in the 4RS,3PN zone until monitoring determines that the quality of the cod in the region has improved. The quality of most of the cod harvested up to that point had been found to be unsatisfactory, with the flesh "jellied." This is the first time in five years that a directed fishery for cod has taken place in the province, and market quality standards, including for cod block, have risen since the cod moratorium was implemented in 1992. "Now that we are trying to get back into cod markets, we must do everything possible not only to regain markets but to ensure that we have a reputation for top quality cod," Mr. Efford said.

Contact: Josephine Cheeseman, Director of Communications (709) 729-3733.