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GROWTH
OF SHELLFISH HARVESTS Snow crab and shrimp were the principal shellfish species harvested in 1996, accounting for about 43 and 30 percent of the total landed value of shellfish respectively. Landings of snow crab increased from 6,700 tonnes in 1987 valued at $12.6 million, to over 37,000 tonnes in 1996 worth about $83 million. In 1995, an outstanding year for crab, the landed value of the species hit $182 million. Similarly, shrimp harvests have increased from around 8,500 tonnes in 1987 to 20,000 tonnes in 1996. Aside from other species and opportunities outside the fishery, fish harvesters fortunate enough to have, or qualify to have, a licence to fish crab, have had the capacity to either replace or augment the income available through TAGS (see Box "TAGS and CORE: Implications for Licensing"). OPPORTUNITIES IN
THE CRAB AND SHRIMP FISHERIES Individual fishers will receive a minimum of 1.8 tonnes (4,000 pounds) from the 5,895 tonne quota allocated for temporary permit holders. Where there are more applicants than can be accommodated by this quota, a random selection for permits will take place. Additional criteria may also be defined by local fishermen's committees. An equal allocation of the minimum amount (1.8 tonnes) would result in approximately 3,000 temporary permits. The 1997 northern shrimp quota has been increased to 59,000 tonnes, a 57 percent increase from 1996. For the first time, fishers with vessels less than 65 feet in length have been allocated a northern shrimp quota. Approximately half, or 10,600 tonnes, of the increased quota will be allocated to owners of vessels less than 65 feet in length who have been designated CORE. This will create new jobs for both fishers and plant workers who are adjacent to the resource, some of whom are persons eligible for TAGS benefits. The management of this increased quota for new entrants will be carried out by Local Management Boards in each area. The Boards will be represented on the Northern Shrimp Advisory Committee which is responsible for making recommendations on Total Allowable Catch (TAC) levels and management measures. |
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CHANGES
IN CAPELIN LANDINGS Another species group which have historically contributed significantly to fisheries performance are the pelagics. The principal pelagic species caught in Newfoundland and Labrador are capelin, herring and mackerel. While these have not been under moratoria, quotas and catches (in particular capelin) have declined in recent years. While a decline in capelin harvests was not a determining factor in either the introduction or continuation of income support programs for the fisheries, its occurrence at the same time catches of other major stocks have collapsed has compounded problems in the industry. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the resource base for capelin was strong and the markets were buoyant. Difficulties with capelin fisheries in Norway and Iceland resulted in increased demand for capelin products from Newfoundland and Labrador. Most capelin harvested were destined for markets in Japan. Capelin landings declined from a high of 127,000 tonnes in 1990 to 32,000 tonnes in 1996; landings were, however, as low as 160 tonnes in 1995. Currently, quota levels are set at 45,700 tonnes. The return of the capelin fishery to the Scandinavian countries along with problems in the domestic industry, has resulted in lower landed volumes and values in recent years. The capelin fishery is expected to recover in the near term, however, and make a significant contribution to the industry again. A resurgence in the capelin fishery would help in providing jobs and income to some people who are currently displaced from the fishery, and to fishery workers in general. |
MARKET CHANGES | |
The collapse of major groundfish stocks and a decline in traditional catches of capelin in conjunction with the rise of the shellfish sector have impacted the industry in other ways. For example, with the significant changes in the composition of output in the fishing industry over the past few years, markets have also shifted. In 1987, about 77 percent of fish exports went to the United States and about nine percent to Asian countries. Because the United States was an important market for groundfish products and Asian markets have a strong preference for shellfish, in 1996 only 39 percent of fish exports went to the US while 48 percent was exported to the far east, Japan and China in particular. |
IMPROVEMENTS
AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE INDUSTRY Seal harvests have increased from about 39,000 animals in 1987 to about 250,000 in 1996. Poor markets and low prices during the 1980s and early 1990s resulted in small numbers of animals being taken. In 1996, market conditions improved resulting in the first major commercial activity since 1984. Similarly, work to develop inshore shrimp harvesting is also showing positive results and the quota has been increased substantially. This year, approximately 20,000 tonnes (about 90 percent of the increase) of the new shrimp quota will go to Newfoundland and Labrador harvesters. It is noteworthy that some of the areas most dependent on northern cod are also areas that will benefit from the additional shrimp quotas. Through other development initiatives, the industry is beginning to capitalize on opportunities for whelk and sea urchin harvesting and cod growout (farming). Demand for these products has been strong and the industry is responding positively. Cod growout, an example of a traditional fishery merging with aquaculture technology, provides opportunities for most areas with access to trap cod. Trap cod can be held over and the weight increased where short term imbalances in market supply/demand conditions exist, or cod are smaller than desirable. The west and south coast areas of the Province will benefit from this technology as the 1997 fishery proceeds. Other opportunities for aquaculture and higher production levels exist in the culture of shellfish, such as blue mussels and giant scallops, and for the raising of finfish species such as Atlantic salmon, steelhead trout and rainbow trout. Shellfish can be grown in most areas where there is clean water and no arctic or pack ice. Most blue mussel farms that are active are located in sheltered coves on the northeast and south coast areas of the Province. In the short term, most finfish aquaculture is expected to be restricted to the Bay d'Espoir area where unique growing conditions offer opportunities for steelhead and Atlantic salmon aquaculture. The potential for halibut, cod, yellowtail and other finfish are still being researched and results to date are positive. In 1996, there were 210 aquaculture licences issued throughout the Province consisting of 76 finfish and 134 shellfish licences compared to a total of 64 licences in 1994. Aquaculture developments will not only diversify the industry and provide increased alternatives for fishery workers and others in the short-term, but strengthen the industry in the long term by broadening the scope and the quantity of raw material and resources available to the industry. The information above indicates that the industry and its workers have demonstrated considerable resilience and dynamism. This is in spite of the historic events which have challenged the industry and its workers. While, to date, changes and events in the fishery have not been sufficient to offset the loss of traditional species, successful efforts have been made in the industry to seize and develop the opportunities which have been available. The evolution of the industry since the moratorium began is reflected in the data throughout Sections of the Report. This overview of the fishery helps explain why the statistics and information in this Report do not show those affected by the fisheries closures as a homogenous group. For some, fishing activities and traditional income patterns have been maintained. This is reflected by the large number of clients who are seen to earn income in Section 6.0 and elsewhere. Statistics also underline the reality that for a large number of clients, traditional income patterns have been severely disrupted with the absence of the full recovery of major groundfish stocks. The development and emergence of alternative fisheries has been helpful for some while offering few, if any, opportunities for others. The relative reliance on TAGS amongst clients and throughout regions of the Province is a function of the complex situation in the industry. This report would be less useful for many users without this backdrop information which outlines the forces and events from which the data are derived. |