“Our seafood industry is valued at approximately C$1 billion per year and investments we make in improving processing operations for emerging species, such as sea cucumber, help to optimize return on investment for processors and create additional opportunities for harvesters. Through targeted programs and strategies, our government is supporting industry growth and new employment opportunities that strengthen communities over the long term,” said Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
This funding will allow the company to hire consultants to analyze current technologies and processes.
This work will include:
- Market analysis to determine detailed customer product specifications;
- Physiological research and investigation of alternative sea cucumber processing methods to remove the tentacles;
- Productivity evaluation to determine ways to streamline operations; and
- Investigation of new processing technologies in other jurisdictions.
“Sea cucumber is a species that holds tremendous opportunity for our seafood industry on both the harvesting and processing sides. This funding will help Cape Broyle Sea Products Ltd. improve their operations and productivity and help them to better identify and meet the demands of the market,”
Keith Hutchings, MHA for Ferryland and Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
This funding will help the company determine ways to improve upon current cutting equipment and tentacle removal options.
“Cape Broyle Sea Products Ltd. is committed to advancing the sea cucumber business in the province and we greatly appreciate the Provincial Government's support. We believe this project will help us further develop our product line and improve efficiencies as we move forward,” said Edgar Coffey, Senior Manager, Cape Broyle Sea Products Ltd.
Improvements to processing technology resulting from this project are expected to be beneficial to all processing operations in the province using the same technology to process sea cucumber.
