The Economy 1998


Special Report - Shellfish

 

shrimp3.gif (12811 bytes)Shellfish landings have risen dramatically in recent years. Between 1992 and 1997, the value of shellfish landings more than tripled from $74 million to $233 million. Much of the gain was concentrated in crab and shrimp as improvements in resource abundance have translated into higher quotas and landings. Over the next few years the prospects for further gains in the shellfish sector, particularly shrimp, are quite good.

EXPANSION OF THE NORHTERN SHRIMP FISHERY

The Northern Shrimp Fishery was originally conducted from the Davis Strait to the Flemish Cap by offshore factory trawlers. In 1997 the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) was increased by 21,500 tonnes. Almost half of this increase, 10,580 tonnes, was a first time allocation to the inshore sector (vessels less than 65 feet in length). Inshore shrimp landings and value in 1997 are estimated at 6,000 tonnes and $8.6 million respectively. Approximately 85 inshore vessels participated in this fishery, most of which had traditionally been dependent on groundfish. As well, Newfoundland and Labrador offshore licence holders received additional shrimp allocations in 1997.


 

INVESTMENT AND EMPLOYMENT

FACT SHEET
Inshore Shrimp

Jobs

Harvesting Processing
1997
1998
350
800
404
684

Proposed or Expanded
Shrimp Processing Operations

         Bay de Verde
         Charlottetown
         Clarenville
         Old Perilcan
      Port Union
      St. Anthony
      St. Josephs
      Valleyfield

The allocation of shrimp to the inshore has generated new employment and investment opportunities both onshore and at sea. Both harvesters and processors are making considerable investments to convert their operations to handle northern shrimp.

PROSPECTS FOR 1998

The outlook for shrimp in 1998 is positive. It is anticipated that an additional 450 harvesters will pursue this resource, resulting in additional investment, employment and earnings. It is also anticipated that the length of the inshore shrimp season will be extended. The crab fishery is also expected to post a solid performance in 1998. Together, these two species, crab and shrimp, will continue to form the backbone of the Newfoundland fishery in the near future.

 

 


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