Cracking down on quality
Lobster Council of Canada creating quality grades for Canadian lobster.
HALIFAX — The Lobster Council of Canada has launched a review process to create quality grades for Canadian lobster.
“We know from many years of study and research that the Canadian lobster sector wants a more transparent and objective system of identifying lobster quality and condition at first point of purchase,” Geoff Irvine, executive director of the lobster council, said in a news release.
“We want to engage the entire industry in this process and come out with a practical system that can be implemented on board fishing vessels and in plants. This new quality grading system will help us continue to build upon our existing premium lobster reputation as we focus on our new Canadian lobster brand. ”
The group met last week in Prince Edward Island to begin the process that will include future stops to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia communities by task group members who will work to identify accurate and practical lobster quality levels.
Following these meetings, the group will recommend the indus- try-wide adoption of the three to five chosen quality grading standards that will be used at the first point of purchase to develop a multi-tiered shore-pricing system to provide an incentive to harvesters to land lobster in top condition.
Another goal is to help ensure lobster of various qualities and conditions are moved through the appropriate channel in the lobster value chain so customers receive the best dining experience.
In 2012, a review of the 2010 long-term value strategy concluded with an industry-wide agreement to focus on two important marketability projects, quality grading and branding.
“Industry members at every stage of the value chain, including harvesting, processing, and live shipping, are committed to quality grading of Canadian lobster,” said Robert Harris, a harvester from Southwest Nova Scotia and task group member.
“I believe the chosen quality grading standards will be supported by the industry as long as there is an incentive to imple- ment.”
The group that met Sept. 25 included harvesters, processors, live shippers, scientists, and government officials.
Task group members now include Carl Allen, Maritime Fishermen’s Union in New Brunswick, Ian Burford, government of Newfoundland and Labrador, John Garland, Clearwater Seafoods, Robert Harris, LFA 34 Management Board, Stewart Lamont, Tangier Lobster, Carl MacDonald, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Bernard MacLennan, Fisherman’s Market International, Barry MacPhee, province of Nova Scotia, Marc Surette, Fish Packers Association of Nova Scotia, Jean Lavallee, Aquatic Science and Health Services, Robert MacMillan, government of Prince Edward Island, Ian MacPherson, P.E.I. Fishermen’s Association, Jeff Malloy, Acadian Fishermen’s Coop, and Jean-François LaPlante, Québec Fisheries and Aquaculture Innovation Centre.
Members of the lobster council and five provincial governments funded and supported the quality grading task group.