The Proud Voice of
Newfoundland & Labrador’s
SEAFOOD INDUSTRY
$1.4 Billion
Industry
From coast to coast to coast, seafood fuels our economy like nothing else.
20+ Member
Producers
Employing over 6000 plant workers across over 70 of our coastal communities
Sustainability
Counts
Ours are the most prolific fishing grounds on earth – and they need protecting.
SUSTAINABILITY
INITIATIVES
From one generation to the next, the health and safety of our fisheries and communities drives everything we do.
Through investments in sustainable practices and commitments to strict global quality standards, our members work to ensure a healthy and robust future for the Newfoundland & Labrador seafood industry.
The Seafood Marketplace for North America
The 2025 Conference Program at Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America will feature more than 30 educational sessions led by top seafood industry experts. Attendees will take away engaging […]
Industry FAQs
How does ASP support seafood processors in Newfoundland and Labrador?
ASP represents more than 20 seafood processors across the province, many of which are family-owned and deeply rooted in their communities. We advocate for fair, practical policies that help processors stay competitive, invest in modernization, and provide stable employment for thousands of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Together, our members contribute over $1 billion in annual exports, making the processing sector a vital part of the province’s economy.
How does the seafood processing industry support Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy?
Seafood plants employ over 6,000 people across 70 coastal communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador—many of them multi-generational families who’ve worked in the industry for decades. In many towns, the plant is the main employer, providing steady jobs close to home. These jobs don’t just support workers, they keep families rooted in rural communities and sustain local businesses, infrastructure, and services. Together, Newfoundland and Labrador’s seafood processing sector generates over $1 billion in annual exports, making it a vital part of the provincial economy.
Beyond economics, plants play a role in local culture—sponsoring sports teams, community events and not-for-profits, and infrastructure that helps people live and work in the towns they call home.
How does ASP work with government to protect jobs and communities?
ASP works closely with government to provide input on proposed regulations, advocating for science-based and economically sound decisions. Our goal is to safeguard over 6,000 plant workers and support the long-term stability of rural communities that rely on seafood processing. By ensuring policies strengthen local jobs, investment, and the overall health of the industry, ASP helps coastal families and towns thrive today and in the future.
How do policy changes affect seafood processors and communities?
Changes in regulations or policies can have a big impact on processors, their employees, and the towns that rely on them. Shifting rules around processing licenses, outside buyers, or investment can make it hard for plants to plan, operate efficiently, and provide stable employment.
ASP works to make sure policies are clear, fair, and predictable, so processors can focus on running their businesses, keeping workers employed, and supporting the long-term sustainability of coastal communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.
What role does the seafood processing sector play in sustainability?
Processors have a direct stake in protecting fish stocks—because without a healthy resource, there’s no future for the industry or for the communities that depend on it. That’s why processors support science-based quotas, responsible harvesting, and long-term management. ASP has also helped multiple local fisheries achieve Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification and participates in Fisheries Improvement Projects, ensuring our products meet international sustainability standards. The goal is to ensure the fishery isn’t just here for us today, but for future generations too.
What innovations are helping local plants and workers succeed?
Many ASP members have invested in modern, state-of-the-art equipment, automation, and sustainable practices that reduce waste, improve product quality and efficiency, and protect thousands of local jobs. These innovations help seafood from Newfoundland and Labrador stay competitive in the global seafood market.
Where does Newfoundland and Labrador seafood go?
Over 90% of the seafood processed in Newfoundland and Labrador is exported to over 40 countries, including major markets in Asia, Europe, and the U.S. This global demand supports thousands of local jobs and brings vital income into the rural communities. By meeting the highest standards of quality and sustainability, ASP members are proud to bring Newfoundland and Labrador’s premium seafood to the world.
How does ASP make sure Newfoundland and Labrador seafood is safe and high quality?
ASP members follow strict food safety and quality control protocols for all seafood products, from ocean to plate. This includes third-party plant accreditations and adherence to Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) standards, ensuring every product meets premium standards. By maintaining these high standards, processors protect the reputation of our province’s seafood, support thousands of jobs, and help communities that rely on a strong, trusted industry.
Why is processing seafood locally better than exporting unprocessed?
When seafood is processed here at home instead of being shipped away before it’s prepared, the benefits stay in Newfoundland and Labrador. Local processing creates thousands of jobs for plant workers, supports local suppliers and service businesses, and keeps more money circulating in rural towns. It also helps families stay in their communities, supports community infrastructure, and strengthens the economic backbone of coastal Newfoundland and Labrador.
Of course, some products — like live lobster — are exported in their natural form because that’s how international customers prefer to buy them. But whenever possible, maximizing local processing means more work, more investment, and more lasting value for our communities.
Why is collective bargaining important in the seafood industry?
In Newfoundland and Labrador, collective bargaining is guided by a provincial law called the Fisheries Industry Collective Bargaining Act (FICBA). It focuses on setting fair prices for fish through a formal process between processors and harvesters. This system helps avoid disputes, ensures transparency, and creates stability across the industry. By having a clear, fair framework in place, collective bargaining supports long-term sustainability for fisheries, coastal communities, and the thousands of people who depend on the fishery.
What kinds of jobs are available in seafood processing?
The industry offers a wide range of opportunities—from plant workers on the processing lines to roles in logistics, quality control, marketing, accounting and international sales. Many positions provide pathways for long-term careers, helping people build skills and stay in coastal communities.
How can young people get started in the seafood industry?
Youth can explore careers in Newfoundland and Labrador’s seafood processing industry through training programs, work placements, and job shadowing opportunities. These experiences help young people gain hands-on skills, understand the industry, and see how they can contribute to the future of coastal communities.
Why is there sometimes tension between harvesters and processors?
Harvesters and processors depend on each other to make the seafood industry work, but they sometimes have different priorities. Harvesters want fair prices for their catch, while processors need to manage costs, plant operations, and jobs in coastal communities. When market conditions change quickly or policies are unclear, disagreements can arise.
The key is collaboration and communication—when harvesters and processors work together, everyone benefits: families keep working, plants stay open, and coastal communities thrive. ASP supports constructive dialogue and policies that help both sides succeed, protecting the long-term sustainability of the industry.
