News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Improvements to the Seafood Processing Act come into effect today, Aug. 9, the opening day of the southeast lobster season.

Amendments passed during the spring sitting of the legislative assembly address concerns about the act, adopted in 2009, as identified by the fishing industry during consultations.

"There are a number of challenges facing the lobster industry as the result of the lobster glut and low prices,” said Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Michael Olscamp. “There are no quick and easy solutions; these changes to the act are intended, however, to improve the quality of seafood at all levels of the value chain, increasing the value of New Brunswick seafood."

All fish buyers purchasing directly from fishers on the wharf are now required to have a fish-buying licence unless exempted under regulation. This will ensure that the highest quality standards will be met in the handling, holding and transporting of fish.
 
"The quality of our product is important to maintaining our reputation as a leader in seafood,” said Olscamp. “While many quality issues are related to fisheries management and the structure of the industry, these legislative changes are a positive step and will address a critical link in the value chain."

The department has been active in leading quality improvement initiatives. Lobster handling sessions were held for harvesters, buyers and processors throughout New Brunswick in 2012 and 2013. This year, additional training was provided to stakeholders in Lobster Fishing Area 25.

An additional amendment will come into effect on April 1, 2014. As of that date, every vehicle being used by a licensed fish buyer on a wharf to transport fish will be required to have at least one person present who has completed a mandatory fish handling/quality assurance course identified by the department.