Makkovik Fish Plant Explores Upgrades with Provincial Government Support

Press Release

Promoting Continuous Improvement in the Processing Sector

The Torngat Fish Producers Cooperative Society Limited (Torngat Fish Co-op) will seek ways to increase efficiency and output at its crab and turbot plant in Makkovik with support from the Provincial Government. The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today announced $9,332 to help the company explore process improvements and consider new technology to make the plant more competitive.

“The Provincial Government is committed to helping processing facilities pursue continuous improvement so they remain competitive amid the changes and challenges experienced in the seafood industry. This investment of more than $9,000 supports a research project that gives the Torngat Fish Co-op options to make its plant leaner and more cost-effective, which will put the company in the best position to maintain long-term success.”
– The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture

The funding is provided through the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program which supports research into enhanced approaches to harvesting, processing, and marketing seafood. The Torngat Fish Co-op will use the funding to engage the Marine Institute’s Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Resources in evaluating production at its Makkovik facility. The Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation is also supporting the project with funding and oversight.

“The Torngat Fish Co-op greatly appreciates the Provincial Government’s support for our efforts to make our crab and turbot plant as efficient and competitive as possible. This funding will make it possible to avail of the Marine Institute’s expertise as we seek out opportunities to make our operations stronger for the future.”
– Keith Watts, General Manager, Torngat Fish Producers Cooperative Society Limited

The project is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

QUICK FACTS

• Minister Keith Hutchings announced $9,332 today to help the Torngat Fish Co-Op explore production enhancements at its plant in Makkovik.
• In 2013, snow crab achieved the highest landed value of all shellfish caught by provincial harvesters at more than $209 million, and turbot achieved the highest landed value of all groundfish at more than $52 million.
• Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook includes $4 million for the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program to support projects aimed at enhancing the harvesting, processing and marketing of provincial seafood over the next two years.

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Media contact:
Jason Card
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 699-0470
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca

Keith Watts
General Manager
Torngat Fish Co-op
709-896-3992
gm@torngatfishcoop.com

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