OVERVIEW
Long the backbone of the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador, the fishery has endured numerous setbacks over the past 10 years which has led to much change and restructuring. This resulted in the creation of a new fishery that focuses on shellfish stocks, such as Snow Crab and Coldwater Shrimp, rather than Cod and other groundfish.
Women have always been involved in the inshore fishery and fish processing, but it is still unusual to see a female Captain or a woman as a crew member of an offshore trawler. It is estimated that only 18% of fish harvesters are women, whereas 60% of fish processors are female.
If you are interested in finding out about a career in the Fishery, you will find the remainder of the information on this site useful.
How big is the industry?
In 1999, the total production (export) value of the fishery was approximately $1 billion. Also, the dollar value of Newfoundland's fishing industry increased for the 5th consecutive year:
Landed Value:
| 1999 |
$514 million |
| 1998 |
$384 million |
| 1997 |
$308 million |
Industry Highlights
The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador summarizes the highlights of the industry as follows:
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Shellfish, not groundfish, now dominate the industry. Since 1988, landings of valuable shellfish (primarily crab and shrimp) have more than tripled. |
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The value of the new inshore northern shrimp reached $100 million in 1998. |
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Inshore vessels took part in the northern shrimp for the first time in 1997, and landed an estimated 6,000 metric tonnes worth $8.6 million. Landings are increasing each year… for example, in 1999, inshore fishing vessels landed over 30,000 metric tonnes of northern shrimp. |
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In 1997, 11,000 tonnes of Icelandic scallops were landed, making Newfoundland and Labrador the world's leading producer. |
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The revitalized seal industry provides income for about 3,000 sealers and several hundred plant workers, and has an export value of $20 million. |
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1997 was the 2nd year in history that the industry had a landed value of $300 million. |
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Results from exploratory fisheries beyond 200 miles offer further growth. It is anticipated that for the short to medium term, crab and shrimp quotas should remain stable or increase nominally. |
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Lobster landings remain stable and planned conservation measures should result in greater sustained landings in the medium term. |
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Improving recruitment during the 1990s has resulted in favourable prospects for the turbot resource for the next several years. |
The Newfoundland Market Seafood Council provides a list of seafood processors in the province including their contact information, email addresses and web links.
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