Minister Shea Celebrates Strong Exports of Canadian Fish and Seafood Products

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, released the preliminary trade figures for Canada's exports of fish and seafood products in 2009, which totalled more than $3.6 billion, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

"Canada is clearly a leader in the production of high-quality, safe and nutritious fish and seafood," said Minister Shea. "Consumers around the world can be confident that Canadian products are also sustainably harvested and farmed according to rigorous environmental monitoring and management regulations."

Seafood is one of the largest single food commodities exported by Canada-with close to two-thirds of Canada's exports destined for markets in the United States and another 22 per cent predominantly destined for European countries and Japan. In terms of value, the top five exported species by Canadian industries are lobster, snow/queen crab, Atlantic salmon, shrimp/prawn, and herring.

"The stability, predictability, and innovation of Canada's fish and seafood sector are key elements that are helping our businesses remain profitable and competitive, while providing thousands of Canadians with jobs," said Minister Shea. "Our government will continue to work in support of our industries as we move toward economic recovery."

The preliminary international trade figures for Canada's fish and seafood exports were released during the annual International Boston Seafood Show taking place from March 14-16, 2010. The event is the largest North American fish and seafood trade show, which attracts the participation of thousands of seafood buyers and sellers from around the world.

During the Show's opening day, Minister Shea met with Canadian exporters and US importers of Canadian fish and seafood products to discuss market-related issues and promote the methods used by Canada's industries to sustainably harvest and farm fish and seafood resources. The Minister also toured the exhibits and participated in the official opening of the Atlantic Canada pavilion with her colleague, the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway.