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June, 2007 Edition
What's Happening at the FCC
FPI Sale – Ministerial Correspondence
The on-going media reports regarding the pending sale of FPI brought forward broader fisheries policy issues that concerned the Board of Directors of the Fisheries Council of Canada. As such, the FCC requested Minister Hearn to confirm that (i) fishing licences or quotas will not be transferred to provinces; and (ii) any conditions on licences regarding landing restrictions will not be imposed but be voluntary and acceptable to the licence holder.
In response, Minister Hearn stated: “Should I receive a request to transfer the licence and quota currently held by FPI, I will duly consider it and base my decision on relevant considerations. Such considerations would include, for reasons of proper management and control of fisheries, that the benefits that flow from the licence and quota are enjoyed by the licence holder. I reiterate my past statements to the effect that it is those who fish or run harvesting enterprises that should hold the fishing licences and quotas.
Should such a licence and quota transfer be requested, I may consider attaching a licence condition requiring the landing of fish products where a request is made to this effect by the applicant, and where it is appropriate for the proper management and control of the fishery.”
European Commission Proposes Expanded Import Quota Regime for 2007-2009
After months of negotiations within the European Union (EU), the European Commission (EC) has proposed a comprehensive and expanded quote regime for reduced import tariffs on fish and seafood products for further processing in the EU. Products of particular interest to Canada include cooked & peeled shrimp (10,000mt quota increased to 20,000mt with modified atmosphere treatment qualifying as an eligible further processing requirement); herring products; cod products; Pacific/red hake; cod; rock sole; and surimi.
Notwithstanding continuing complaints from Ireland (herring) and Spain (tuna loins), the EC is fully confident that the package will be approved by the EU Council of Ministers. It is hope the approval will be finalized in early July.
CITES: FCC Campaigning Against the Listing of Dogfish and Other Species
The FCC is encouraging Canada, the International Coalition of Fisheries Associations, and the FAO Fisheries & Aquaculture Department to oppose the proposed CITES international trade restrictions on Spiny dogfish, Porbeagle shark, European eel, and Spiny lobster. Various countries have proposed CITIES trade restrictions because of the weakened stock status of these species.
New System to Treat Wastewater
UVPS Environmental Solutions Ltd., a commercial organization of the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeeen, Scotland, have developed a water treatment system that removes 100% of contaminants from food processing waste. The technology has already been in use for treating waste water from oil rigs. UVPS claims the technology is cost effective.
Glitner Bank Report on US Seafood
Below are key summaries of the Iceland-based Glitner Bank report on the US seafood industry and market:
86% of seafood consumption is imported;
food service accounts for 2/3rds of seafood consumption;
shrimp, canned tuna, and salmon are the most popular;
tilapia, currently in the 6th place regarding consumption, is the fastest growing;
Alaska Pollock is the species most caught by the US fleet, representing 25-30% of the total US harvest;
Japan and Canada are the US industry’s major export markets.
Japan’s Frozen Shell-on & Peeled Imports for 2006
Japan imported 229,952mt of frozen shell-on and peeled shrimp in 2006. Canada was the 8th largest supplier at 8,665mt. The major suppliers were Vietnam, Indonesia, India, China, and Thailand. The major cold water shrimp supplier was Russia at 9,518mt. Canada was second. An additional significant cold water shrimp supplier was Greenland at 6,788mt.
Carbon Foot Print/Food Miles – Air Freight Labels, ETC.
In another sign of the growing concerns over “food miles”, British retailer, Marks & Spencer, will add a new “air freighted” label to all food imported by air. Initially 20 fruit and vegetable items will be labeled with about 150 products carrying the label by the end of the year. No time table has been yet set for the full roll out on all products. The rational behind the initiative is that ocean shipping consumes 98% less fuel than air shipping. In response, Tesco apparently plans to label all its food identifying the distance it traveled. Some argue a more comprehensive look at a product’s carbon footprint is fairer. The UK Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish) is researching the harvesting and processing of several fish species regarding their “carbon foot print” impact.
70% of Canada’s fish and seafood production is sold in the US and Canada.
June – Key Meetings
Canada-Spain Industry NAFO Meeting, Madrid, Spain
A meeting to review (i)a possible industry proposal regarding a coral conservation initiative in NAFO waters for the 2008 fishing season; (ii) a Spanish industry NAFO scientific proposal; and (iii) respective industry perspectives on the status of Greenland halibut;
Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) International Marketing Strategy for Japan, Ottawa
A meeting to review AAFC’s emerging marketing strategy and priorities regarding Japan;
WTO Fisheries Subsidies Negotiations, Ottawa,
Update on the negotiations and finalization of Canada’s strategy
Health Canada’s Working Group on Mercury in Fish, Ottawa
Develop a communications strategy
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