The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced Tuesday, July 21 it will provide MI with up to $100,000 to examine ways to improve and further develop the yellowtail flounder fishery.
“This project will both maintain and improve the economic viability of the yellowtail fishery,” said Glenn Blackwood, executive director, Marine Institute. “The fishery is a major economic driver for many regions of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Marine Institute is pleased to partner with industry and government on this important initiative.”
The $100,000 in funding is available through the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program, a division of the provincial government’s Fishing Industry Renewal Strategy. This project is just one element of a larger initiative currently being conducted by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Memorial University of Newfoundland, the Marine Institute, Ocean Choice International (OCI) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
“This project will conduct leading edge research to improve operational aspects of the yellowtail fishery in the province,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, in a media release issued by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on July 21. “It is important to always seek opportunities to improve the quality of our seafood products. We are operating in a very competitive global marketplace and every edge we can achieve will help to ensure a more sustainable fishing industry into the future.”
The Marine Institute will conduct its research though its Centre for Aquaculture and Seafood Development (CASD). Samples from the yellowtail fishery will be taken to CASD for examination, with MI researchers evaluating the quality of the final product, including a review on final yield and bruising data. Onboard and in-plant practices will also be examined as part of this research project, as will information related to water depth, temperature, sea sate and location of the trawl.
CASD will also review all literature on the yellowtail founder while examining historical data provided by OCI regarding quality and yield.
“This project is very important to OCI’s Marystown operations as well as our trawler fleet,” said OCI Chief Operating Officer Blaine Sullivan in a media release issued by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. “The overall objective of this research initiative is to analyze and explore ways to enhance the yellowtail fishery from harvest to market. We have collaborated with the Marine Institute on several occasions in the past and look forward to the outcome of this project."
New Funds for Yellowtail Research in Newfoundland
CANADA - The Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland (MI) has received funding from the provincial government to help make the yellowtail flounder fishery more sustainable.
