Fisheries Minister Darin King has confirmed that the provincial government will not approve permanent exemptions to provincial minimum processing requirements for redfish or yellowtail as requested by Ocean Choice International (OCI).
King has also provided an update on the province's overall progress in reaching a decision on OCI's groundfish and Fortune proposals.
"In response to OCI's request for a permanent exemption to minimum processing requirements for redfish and yellowtail, I am confirming today that this request has been denied," said King.
"This type of exemption would be unprecedented. What their request means is that they want no minimum processing requirements for the future. I have decided this request cannot be entertained. There will be no permanent exemption to redfish or yellowtail."
King said resource prospects and global markets fluctuate and a lot can change in a few years. Catch rates change; other groundfish resources, such as American Plaice, can improve. The provincial government must ensure the long-term security of resources for the benefit of future generations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. While some level of multi-year exemption may be considered, a permanent exemption would not be in the province's best interest.
"Significant progress has been made in the last two weeks in respect to our government's analysis of OCI's groundfish proposal," said King. "However, while the company has been helpful in providing information on the yellowtail portion, information on redfish operations has not been provided as readily and still requires independent validation. This is not helpful, nor does it show government that OCI is serious about their commitment. This is a very serious matter that requires a concerted effort by all parties. People involved deserve a prompt decision, but our government won't be pressured into a decision without all the information required."
Information on redfish was first requested two months ago, but all the information has not been provided.
King said it is essential the provincial government receive comprehensive data, which must then be verified by a third party. A decision on potential exemptions to minimum processing requirements cannot be made until the information is disclosed by OCI. The company had requested an answer from the provincial government by Dec. 31 when redfish exemptions were set to expire.
"At the end of December, government was not willing to grant further temporary exemptions while a decision on the overall OCI proposal was being made," said King. "Yesterday we learned that OCI intends to proceed with plans to fish redfish from quotas purchased from license holders in Nova Scotia. The company has said if we provide an exemption, they will land the fish in Newfoundland and Labrador, otherwise it would be landed elsewhere. We don't appreciate these types of tactics."
King said this action is not helpful or respectful of the province. It again demonstrates the importance for government to protect the province's interests.
King was stern in his comments towards OCI in a news conference this morning.
"Our government is not interested in playing games," said King. "We want to ensure the maximum benefit for Newfoundland and Labrador in whatever final decisions are made in respect to OCI's request. That decision can be expected within a few weeks of receipt of all relevant financial and market data."
King added that productive discussions on the fishery are long overdue and the provincial government is waiting at the table for all stakeholders to park their agendas and counterproductive tactics and get down to business.
Earle McCurdy, president of the Fish Food and Allied Workers, is expected to speak to reporters about this decision shortly.
Liberal fisheries critic Jim Bennett said King's decision is a good first but government must do more to rebuild the processing sector in the province.
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