LIBRARY ...2 Dept. of Fisheries ©F Canada St. John's, Nfld

DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES OF CANADA (Newfoundland Area) Submission for Annual Report

NEWFOUNDLAND FISHERIES IN 1963 The 1963 fishery produced record earnings for Newfoundland fishermen. The estimated landed value of the catch was $19.6 million, 12 per cent higher than that of 1962. Landings aggregated 588 million pounds, seven per cent more than in 1962. Higher prices, particularly for cod, resulted from a heavy demand for salted fish and increased purchases by filleting and freezing plants. As usual, the trap fishery accounted for the bulk of cod landings, although with more gill nets in use there was a big increase in the volume taken by this type of gear. The number of fishermen increased by 325 to an estimated total of 20,150, with Conception Bay, the St. Barbe coast and Labrador showing the biggest regional gains. Full time inshore fishermen increased from 13,181 in 1962 to 13,546, while the number of boats in use rose from 10,102 to 10,770. Nine trawlers were added to the offshor fleet, and 30 additional longliners were put into operation. The Labrador floater fishery showed expansion, as 43 schooners and longliners participated in this phase of the industry compared with 31 in 1962. Landings by these vessels totalled approximately 17.5 million pounds, which went into the production of 71,000 quintals of heavy salted cod. Production by the floater fleet in 1962 was 48,000 quintals. 1963 also saw a larger stationer population on the Labrador coast. God Landings Cod landings, estimated at 399 million pounds, were up by 6.5 per cent over the previous year's catch and 5 per cent over the 10-year average. The estimated landed value, 312.1 million, represents a gain of 10 per cent over that of 1962 and a post-war record. Fisher- men in the St. Anthony - White Bay region did well; in the Bonavista Bay - Trinity Bay area, the codfishery was generally fair; majority of fishermen on the Avalon Peninsula had a successful year; along the South Coast, the catch was below average but higher prices were a compensating factor; landings were down in the St. George's Bay - Port au Port area; along the St. Barbe coast there was improvement over 1962. Salted Codfish Salted fish production of 526,900 quintals (equivalent light dry basis) was ahead of the 1962 output by 2 per cent but below the 10-year average by 8 per cent. Light salted production increased by 28 per cent over 1962 to 262,600 quintals, but heavy salted declined by 15 per cent to 480,500 quintals. This is a reversal of the trend over the last decade during which the proportion of heavy salted increased at the expense of light salted. A brisk market demand encouraged fishermen to concentrate more on the light salted 'cure' in 1963. Disposition of the 1963 catch continued to reflect the trend towards a lower proportion going into salted production. The following table illustrates this pattern: LIBRARY ....2 Dept. of Fisheries ©f Canada St. John's, Nfld.

Percentage Share of Cod Landings Entering Salt Fish Production 19 -196 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 / 1 TOTAL 0 72.9 72.3 61.8 65.4 69.5 6o,o 61.5 59.1 Light 3. 42.1 41.0 31.3 24.3 24.1 25.5 24.5 29.5 2-?' 9 Heavy .0 24.9 30.8 31.3 30.7 41.1 45.4 34.5 37.0 29,6 .26.s- the most significant increase in salted cod production was on the eastern side of the Great 7orthern Peninsula, along the St. T-Arbe coast, around the Avalon Peninsula and in the Labrador area. Estimated average prices to fishermen were: 416,50 per quintal for light salted (compared with 414.50 in 1962), and 416,00 per draft (224 pounds) for heavy salted (compared with 414.50 in 1962). Frozen Groundfish Theestimated production of frozen groundfish was a record 76.8 million pounds, a rise of 4 per cent over the previous year. The improvement resulted primarily from the addition of five new plants. Some of the large South Coast plants had lower output than in 1962. Geographical distribution of production shows a greater share by the smaller east and northeast coast plants which depend primarily on inshore landings and are in seasonal operation only. These plants were responsible for 35 per cent of the overall production, compared with 30 per cent in 1962. The following table shows the production of frozen groundfish for the past five years: Frozen Groundfish Production by Species, 19592±2 (quantities in '000 lbs.) Species M-/ 1963 1962 1961 1960 ;959

Cod 57,00o 46,160 41,900 38,337 36,567 39'712 Redfish /0,770 13,091 9,851 6,976 5,214 4 87 Flounder 169eo 11,892 8,105 6,991 8,607 6,3 8 Haddock 3.300 4,225 11,500 11,156 6,735 7,97 Pollock 33 c, 514 455 277 223 14 Halibut & Turbot0 00 510 832 446 243 316 Catfish 300 322 197 196 139 194 Hake / oo 110 82 49 56 87

Total 2,°°° 76,824 72,922 64,428 57,784 58,883

A significant rise in landings of redfish and flounder more than compensated for a sizeable decline in the haddock catch.

....3 Hake, pollock and catfish are being increasingly utilized by filleting and freezing plants. As in previous years, the American market took the bulk of the 1963 frozen fish production. Meanwhile, sales to the British and European markets increased. As a consequence of demand for fish for freezing purposes there has been continual improvement in prices offered for cod, in particular, and in 1963 the highest prices on record were paid for this species by filleting and freezing plants. Lobster The lobster catch rose by 8 per cent to a total of 4.5 million pounds, while the value to fishermen was 20 per cent greater than in 1962. Bigger landings were reported from Bonavista Bay, Trinity Bay, and particularly on the West Coast between Cape St. George and Cape Norman. A steady demand together with a fall-off in the catch as the season advanced, brought rising prices to fishermen, reaching a record of 55 cents per pound on the West Coast. About 95 per cent of the catch was marketed in live state. A new market for live lobsters appears to be developing in Europe. This additional outlet could enhance the value of the lobster fishery. Salmon The salmon fishery was fairly successful. Landings of 2.5 million pounds were the highest since 1953 and 13 per cent above the 1962 catch. First hand sales exceeded '')1 million, also the highest in the last ten years, and likely a record. More than 90 per cent of the catch was marketed fresh or frozen; the remainder being either canned, pickled or smoked. The major markets were the United States and the United Kingdom. Under the influence of domestic and foreign demand prices were up by about 7 per cent. The Labrador area contini ,-' to be the prime producing section, followed by the West Coast, the Northeast Coast and the Avalon Peninsula. Herring The herring catch, 17.3 million pounds, topped that of 1962 by 1.8 million pounds. It was worth to the fishermen $259,261 compared with $235,000 in the previous year. As usual, the most pro- lific areas were St. Mary's Bay, Placentia Bay, and Bonne Bay - Bay of Islands. About 57 per cent of the landings was pickled and 35 per cent was used for bait. Squid Although more plentiful than in 1962, squid were still relatively scarce. Landings were approximately 5 million pounds, as against 1.5 million in the previous year and the 10-year average of 10.3 million. Prices to fishermen ranged from li cents to a record of 3 cents per pound.

• • • • 14- Mackerel The mackerel catch, estimated at 6L4.5,166 pounds, registered a drop of 51 per cent from the '62 catch of 1.3 million pounds. The first sale value was $28,000. Most of the catch was pickled; 36 per cent was used for bait. The principal mackerel producing area was Notre Dame Bay. Turbot Landings of this species are estimated at 1.7 million pounds, 30 per cent greater than the '62 catch. Although the bulk was pickled, 16 per cent (as against 2.4 per cent in 1962) was frozen. A sizeable proportion of the frozen product was shipped to England. Notre Dame Bay and Trinity Bay were the main turbot fishing areas.

Caplin

Caplin landings, 10.4 million pounds, were up 6 per cent over the previous year but 20 per cent less than the average for the past five years. Bait and fertilizer were the principal uses. Landings were made mainly along the Northeast coast. Seals There was noted improvement in the seal fishery. The catch, 77,767, was the highest since 1953. Landsmen accounted for 33,664, and the catch by sealing vessels was 44,102. The corresponding figures for 1962 were 36,036 and 23,717. Two additional sealing vessels prosecuted the hunt. The men's share of the catch by the sealing fleet was $75,000 0 an increase of 82 per cent over that of 1962. However, as the vessels carried bigger crews, the average share per man, $273., was practically on a par with the 1962 individual earnings. Value of the landsmen's catch was $252,231, an increase of 39 per cent. Prices for pelts were higher, and total landed value of the seal fishery was 0333,000, compared with 0227,000 in 1962. Whales For the second successive year, whales were scarce. The catch was only 240 (195 in 1962) compared with a 5-year average of 2,220. The catch consisted of 221 potheads, 18 minke and one sperm. The shortage of potheads poses a problem for the mink industry which requires large quantities of whale meat as feed for the animals. • Eels The recently revived eel fishery evidenced continued growth. • About 56,000 pounds of this species were taken, compared with 47,000 pounds in 1962. Eel fishing was carried on in Placentia Bay, Fortune Bait- and St. Mary's Bay. The catch was marketed alive in Holland and other European countries. Fish Meal and Marine Oils Fish meal production increased slightly, totalling 22.8

••••5 million pounds. This is attributed to the rise in overall landings and the addition of another meal plant. The world market for fish meal was good and prices held firm. Marine oil production amounted to 855,000 gallons compared with 794,000 gallons in 1962. INSPECTION SERVICE Salted Fish The number of salt fish plants registered was 55. This was six less than in 1962. Grades for export markets were basically unchanged, as were inspection procedures, except that, on occasion, due to heavy demands, inspection was carried out on a spot-check basis. The quantity inspected was 490,885 quintals, comprosed of 210,261 quintals '7.1.,:fat saltediand 280,624 quintals 'heavy salted'. There was an increase in the number of shipments of light salted, heavy salted, and saltbulk cod. Some of the saltbulk produced_ in the Labrador area was shipped direct to Norway and Portugal, and for the first time in many years, saltbulk was also shipped to C7eece- On the other hand, the quantity shipped to the Canadian mainland declined. Substantial quantities of light salted cod were inspected for shipment to Italy and Spain. Out-of-the-ordinary inspe -Aions included quantities of extra hard dried heavy salted for East Pakist.:::„ and Indonesia. These shipments were purchased by the Government of Canada for the World Food Bank. Competition among local buyers for the light salted pre -luc- tion was very keen. As a result, fishermen tended to hold their light salted 'cure' longer than usual, in hopes of getting the best prices possible. This has not seriously affected quality, but the situation is being watched closely. There were no major complaints on quality from the markets, except in the case of a small shipment of light salted to the United States, which had apparently deteriorated somewhat in transit, and on a shipment to Italy, the drieth of which was reported to be slightly in excess of that normally required. A course for Inspection Supervisors and senior Inspection Officers, on grading and on the production and inspection of boneless salt fish, was conducted in August, at the Valleyfield Fish Processing Experimental Plant. Three Officers from the Quebec Area and two from the Maritimes also attended this course. Fresh and Frozen Fish Thirty-one premises were registered for the processing of filleted fish for export, including five new plants, at Harbour Breton ; Port de Grave, Carbonear, Rose Blanche, and Charleston. All but three of the filleting plants also carried on freezing operations, and all had the services of qualified Inspection Officers throughout productio: periods.

0 . • 6 A major loss to this segment of the industry was the destruction by fire of the plant at Trepassey, early in the year. The Tre- passey plant was one of the filleting and freezing operations in Newfoundland with CGSB (Canadian Government Specifications Board) quality rating. Under authority of the Fish Inspection Regulations, approximately 23,000 pounds of fillets were rejected. This fish was judged nnfit for human consumption, and was used instead in fish meal production. The Inspection Regulations authorie the disposal of fish found to be tainted, unwholesome, or decomposed. Quality of the frozen production was generally good, and corrective action was taken when necessary with respect to sanitation, offal disposal, and water supply. As the year ended, two additional plants were being made ready for certification under the Canadian Government Specifications Board. It's expected that both these plants will be using the Govern- ment stamp of approval on their production early in the New Year. Pickled Fish There was an increase in the amount of pickled fish inspected, even though production of pickled turbot and mackerel was less than in 1962. There was a rise in the output of pickled herring; the quantity inspected was 12,923 barrels, compared with 10,970 barrels in the previous year. The increase was due mainly to a very good herring fishery in the Placentia Bay area early in the year. quantities of pickled turbot and mackerel inspected were 2,034 barrels and 1,129 barrels, respectively. Inspection of pickled trout and salmon was practically on a level with that of 1962. Reports indicate that the quality of the entire 1963 production of pickled fish was satisfactory. Inspection Laboratory Through a continuing programme of quality control, the Inspection Laboratory ensured the marketing of acceptable products. On a daily basis, samples of production by the various filleting and freezing plants were bacteriologically and chemically analysed. On- the-spot sampling of end-of-line production was also effected, through facilities of the floating laboratory - the M/V "Belle Bay". Salted and pickled fish, as well as by-products were likewise sample tested prior to export. In all, some 7,000 samples were examined by laborato•:i staff. As in the past, particular emphasis was placed on the examination of plant water supplies. Where necessary, technical advice and assistan c e were provided to industry in filleting and freezing operations, pickling, salting and canning, and in the production of by-products, especially fish meal, cod liver oil, and solubles.

. . . .7 Analyses of by-products established the content of protein, fat, ash and moisture in fish meals, and Vitamin A in fish oils - determining factors in market values. Assistance was also given to industry through the chemical analyses of herring for the German market, whale tripe and fish offal. Advice was made available in the salting of tuna, and examination of both local and Spanish production was carried out. All salt imported for use in the fishery was tested to ensure conformity with established requirements. A special project undertaken, and to be continued as time permits, involves the analysis of chalky flounder. NEWFOUNDLAND BAIT SERVICE Four additional bait holding units were erected and placed in service - at Oderin and Little Paradise, Placentia Bay; Admiral's Beach, St. Mary's Bay; and Great Harbour Deep, White Bay. The unit at St. Anthony was dismantled and re-erected at Goose Cove, where the need was greater. The Bait Service now has in operation for the convenience of inshore fishermen a total of 50 bait dispensing establishments - 20 depots and 30 holding units. Three refrigerated trucks take care of transfers of frozen bait stocks as required, while the refrigerated bait ship "Illex" is maintained in continuous operation, servicing both depots and units. The "Illex" is to be replaced in 1964 by a larger and more modern refrigerated carrier, now under construction at Lauzon, P. Q. This vessel is to be known as the "Arctica", and is expected to be in service early in the new fiscal year. During the winter and spring, substantial quantities of herring were frozen in Placentia and St. Mary's Bays. These stocks were expended almost immediately, in meeting the needs of the winter codfishery along the South West Coast and the lobster fishery on the North West Coast. Production of frozen caplin increased for the second successive year, making possible a greater distribution of this relatively inexpensive but effective bait fish. Squid showings were spotty, and while this species struck in fairly heavily in several areas the locations were not readily accessible to Bait Service depots. As a result, it was not always possible to attain top quality production. Although the supply generally was limited, depots and holding units in all areas were adequately stocked, and South West Coast depots were serviced for the winter fishery. Frozen mackerel bait is also available to fishermen in the winter fishing area. Local production of this species was small, but no shortage is anticipated, as additional quantities have been brought in from Nova Scotia.

• • • 8 FISHERMEN'S INDEMNITY PLAN Fishing Vessel Insurance A total of 572 new policies was issued on vessels with an aggregate appraised value of 01,070,600. Policy renewals totalled 855, the appraised value of the re-insured boats being 1,349,000. The amount paid to fishermen by indemnity was 069,830, resulting from 53 loss and damage claims. Lobster Trap Insurance Some 8,000 lobster traps were insured. Losses amounted to 4,130 traps, and indemnity payments came to 0,454. Salt Assistance Programme Nearly 4400,000 was expended under the above heading. The benefits were dispersed to 5,174 fishing crews and processors, representing in all approximately 15,000 individuals. CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICE PROTECTION BRANCH Sport Fishing The 1963 season for salmon angling was the most productive on record. The catch was slightly in excess of 33,000 fish, an increase of 7,000 over the previous record high of 26,000 taken in the 1962 season, Average weight of the salmon landed by anglers was 4.5 pounds, and the heaviest recorded for the season was a 33-pounder, yielded by the Highlands River. There was an excellent run, and with favourable water levels throughout the season the effects of natural obstructions were minimized. The number of fish constituting the 1963 escapement to spawning areas was most encouraging. Amendments to the regulations changed the season's opening date from June 5 to May 24, to coincide with the trouting season and, at the same time, reduced the daily bag limit from six to four fish. Protection Activities The licensing of commercial salmon fishermen was introduced. The new system of control, whereby on payment of one dollar a fisherman is licensed for the season, was favourably regarded, particularly by the fishermen themselves. Generally, the regulations governing the commercial salmon fishery were respected. There were breaches in several areas, however, and court action was taken in all instances of detected violations.

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In the lobster fishery, too, the co-operation received from fishermen and buyers in observing the regulations was heartening. Most prosecutions involved possession of undersized lobsters. There were approximately 180 breaches of the Newfoundland Fishery Regulations. Convictions resulted in fines ranging mainly from $20 to $50. For violations of a more serious nature the fines imposed by the courts were proportionately heavier. The educational programme among fishermen was continued. Through discussions, film showings, and poster displays the need for conservation measures was emphasized. Trawlers subject to ICNAF (International Commission on Northwest Atlantic Fisheries) regulations respecting cod and haddock fishing were checked regularly for legal size trawl mesh. Aerial patrol over the Gulf and Front areas was maintained throughout the sealing season, primarily to guard against encroachment of foreign vessels in territorial waters. Pre-season and post-season flights were also made, for enforcement .f the regulations with re6pect to opening and closing dates. Patrol Vessels A fleet of eleven patrol vessels operated in Newfoundland waters, including the Labrador area. Besides offshore patrol duties, the smaller boats were concerned with inshore protection and inspection activities. The latest addition to the patrol fleet, the 179-foot "Cape Freels", which was commissioned in July, 1962, logged 25,000 miles in offshore assignments. A more efficient operation resulted from the installation of radio-telephone systems at Area Headquarters, St. John's, and District Office, Bonavista. Five of the patrol vessels were equipped with new radio-telephone sets, also contributing to improved communi- cations and a more effective patrol organization. Bay Seal Bounty Bounty payments to fishermen for the destruction of bay seals amounted to $7,000. Since 1953, when the bounty was introduced in Newfoundland, payments under this heading have totalled $90,000.

FISH CULTURE DEVELOPMENT Exploits River Programme Biological and engineering investigation is underway to determine the feasibility of making available for Atlantic salmon production large unused areas of the Exploits River. There are indi- cations that the area below Red Indian Lake should, if accessible, eventually, be able to support a spawning run in the order of 25,000 salmon. The escapement to this river in 1963 was less than 1,500 fish. Realization of the potential would make the Exploits a very significant contributor to the commercial and sport fisheries for salmon. If the improvements necessary can be effected on an economically sound basis, it is hoped that initial construction steps can be taken in 1965. ... 10 - 10 - Adult Salmon Transfer It appears that the salmon transferred from Rattling Brook to Great Rattling Brook have spawned successfully in their new stream each year that they have been moved there, and that juvenile salmon have moved to salt water in considerable numbers. The project, begun in 1957 and now complete, involved the transfer of a complete run of adult salmon, as a result of hydro development on Rattling Brook. I‘nalysis of the 1963 field data should determine whether or not adult migrants have returned to Great Rattling Brook after their stay in salt water. Artificial Spawning Channel, Indian River. A controlled flow spawning area for Atlantic salmon, located on the upper part of Indian River, Notre Dame Bay, has been practically completed. High water levels early in the year necessitated construction of a new main control dam and, because of this, salmon were unable to enter the spawning area until September. Nonetheless, 110 fish entered in September and October and successfully spawned. This spawning area was constructed to compensate for loss of natural spawning grounds due to a water diversion for hydro electric purposes by the Bowater Corporation. Under the controlled conditions, survival from the egg stage should be much greater than under natural conditions, resulting in larger numbers of adults returning to the fisheries. Cost of the facility were shared by the Department of Fisheries of Canada and the Bowater Corporation. General Pollution Control Additional investigation was carried out to measure the effect of industrial and domestic wastes spilled to the Exploits River. This investigation is also associated with the Exploits River Development Programme referred to above. Pollution checks were also carried out at the sites of several mining developments. These related particularly to the effect on the receiving waters of mine concentration wastes. Lake Investigations An investigation of landlocked salmon in Flatwater Pond on the Baie Verte Peninsula was conducted by a survey team from the University of Waterloo, Ontario, in co-operation with the Department. Similar work will likely be undertaken in 1964. Memorial University of Newfoundland, in co-operation with the Department, is also planning a freshwater investigation. Efforts such as these are directed towards problems on which information is required for management purposes. Engineering_Construction and Surveys Four concrete dams were built below a falls on Bernard T5 ... 11 Brook, Conne River. The falls proved a major barrier to full utiliza- tion of the tributary by Atlantic salmon. The dams rtitsd the level of the pool, so that fish passage is no longer blocked. Substantial repairs were made to fishways on Great Rattling Brook, Exploits River and Lomond River, which had been damaged by water and ice in the spring. Topographic surveys were carried out at sites of several natural and artificial obstructions on Great Rattling Brook, Indian Bay River, Northeast Placentia River, Torrent River and Exploits River. General It was confirmed that a well established run of anadromous (sea run) Arctic char occurs in a tributary of Parsons Pond Aiver. Heretofore, only one small run of this species was known to exist on the Island. It is likely that runs exist in other rivers, particularly on the Great Northern Peninsula. For the first time, an alewife was recovered well inland on the Humber River. Although this species had been reported previous- ly, it had always been from estuarine or marine areas. This recent record suggests the possibility of a small spawning run to the Humber. Also, in 1963, a tagged adult salmon released in Great Rattling Brook, Exploits River, in 1961, was recovered at Holsteins- borg, Greenland. The straight line distance between the points of release and recapture is approximately 1,200 miles. Information Branch CBC Fishermen's Broadcast On the basis of regular weekly reports submitted to Area Headquarters by field personnel, a regular flow of information to CBC Fishermen's Broadcast was maintained. In addition, interviews with and talks by senior Area Headquarters personnel were arranged from time to time. Television As usual, the Area Director, branch heads and District Off- icers were called upon on various occasions to appear on television for discussion of a variety of topics dealing with the fisheries. Special attention was given to the fall and winter series of "Decks Awash"--arranged by the Memorial University of Newfoundland in the interests of fishermen and fish processors. In the coverage area Fishery Officers we•eappointed to act as liaison officers and rendered valuable assistance by contacting fishermen for their comments and suggestions on the programs presented in the series. Through this liaison system viewing interest in "Decks Awash" increased consider- ably and it was possible to incorporate in the series discussion on matters of prime concern to the fishermen. Fairs & Exhibitions Highlighting our efforts under the above heading was direct participation in the annual Newfoundland Agricultural and Homecrafts Exhibition, held in St. John's, and the West Coast Agricultural and Homecrafts Exhibition, in Corner Brook. A display of live freshwater fishes was featured in the provincial Exhibit, and a consumer display vas arranged for the West Coast undertaking: At both centres approp- riate departmental literature was distributed, and queries from the 100.12 - 12 - public were answered by Fishery Officers in constant attendance throughout duration of the Fairs. As usual, the services of Fishery Officers were made available for judging fishery exhibits and contests in the many local fairs throughout the province. Education Program Films and film strips were used extensively in the continuing educational effort. High school students, fishermen, processors, service organizations, and rod and gun clubs were given individual attention. Along the Labrador coast, Fishery Officers on special assignment arranged film showings in the various communities visited in the course of their duties. "4-H" Clubs The Area Information Officer worked closely with 4-H officials in furthering the training of young people. Involved here were several broadcasts by the Area Information Officer, including one on "A Career in Fisheries', and participation in committee meetings. The Branch also co-operated in arrangments covering 4-H exchange visits (inter- provincial). general Fisheries Fact Sheets and other departmental literature were distributed on a wide scale. Groups serviced included the West Coast Economic Study Conference, the Provincial Health Inspectors Conference, and the new Fisheries College. Effective distribution of "Trade News" reprint "Investigat- ion and Management of Atlantic Salmon and Trout" was effected through District Officers, as well as through the Provincial Wild Life Divis- ion. The latter agreed to distribute copies of the reprint with the issue of angling licences. GENERAL Community Stages A 1450,000 programme, financed by the Federal Government, to construct 23 additional community stages in Newfoundland, was ann- ounced in late November. The locations are being selected in close consultation with the Provincial Government, which is jointly spons- oring the project. The Province is providing the sites, and will supervise construction and maintain the buildings and equipment. Ad- ministration of the stages is also to be Provincial responsibility. The proposed stages, estimated to cost 325,000 each, will Frovide salt fish processing facilities. A number of small units, costing in the neighbourhood of $5,000 each, will be designed especially for the handling of fresh fish. Completion of this programme, designed to provide winter employment over a wide area, and at the same time improve handling and processing facilities for inshore fishermen, will substantially increase the number of community stages along the Newfoundland coast. Experimental Processing Highlighting the 1963 programme at the Valleyfield Fish Processing Experimental Plant was pilot plant experimentation in

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the production of instant type mixes utilizing a combination of fish and potatoes. This was carried out in co-operation with the Department of Agriculture. Meat, cheese, and turnips are also to he included in the experimental mix process, work on which is expected to extend over several years. The finished product is being made available for test purposes and for delivery as samples to interested firms, for ass- essment and consideration for packaged instant food mixes. Ultimately, it is planned to investigate the production of pet foods with the instant mix equipment, so as to utilize production line waste as well as trash fish.

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Information Branch, Department of Fisheries of Canada, ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland. March 20, 1964