“Our province continued its reputation as a strong competitor in global seafood markets in 2013, as Newfoundland and Labrador seafood was exported to more than 40 countries. The total value of provincial seafood production in 2013 increased by eight per cent from the previous year to approximately C$1.1 billion, and the stage is set to build on that success thanks to gains achieved through CETA negotiations, as well as this government’s ongoing investments in research and development, science, marketing, and quality control,” said Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
The increase in production value was due in part to the record production value of the aquaculture industry, which generated C$197 million last year. Landings in the commercial wild fishery increased in 2013; however, a decline in the average market prices for several species caused the production value of commercial fishing activity to be relatively on par with the previous year. This economic activity generated employment for more than 18,000 workers province-wide.
