PEI Fisheries and Environment Minister Kevin J. MacAdam said he is very pleased with Prince Edward Island's representation at the 1998 Annual "International Boston Seafood Show."
"The quality and diversity of Prince Edward Island companies exhibiting at this year's show certainly underscores our significant presence in the seafood industry," said the Minister. Approximately fifteen Island Companies exhibited at the show with many other representatives of the Island industry attending as visitors.
Blair Ramsay, of Prince Edward Aqua Farms, indicated there was much interest in PEI shellfish this year, especially in good quality Malpeque Oysters. "Considerable interest was also expressed in processed shellfish," said Mr. Ramsay.
Baxter Simms, CEO of Royal Star Foods Ltd. said he was successful in arranging markets for the coming season and is cautiously optimistic about the industry in general. "I found the show interesting and identified a number of opportunities for Royal Star which will be followed up," said Mr. Simms.
Ken Smith of Tech Sea Corp. Ltd. indicated that this is the 6th year of displaying at the Boston Seafood Show and found this show to be by far the best one yet. "Response to the Traystor live holding modular equipment was very strong from the smaller retailer to the large commercial operators," said Mr. Smith.
This 16th Show was held at the Hynes Convention Center in downtown Boston with three floors of the Center filled with seafood and seafood related products and equipment from around the World.
Minister MacAdam reported that he and staff had two opportunities to meet with the Federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Hon. David Anderson. "We had a number of issues to discuss with the Minister, including Prince Edward Island being shut out of the shrimp fishery, the current discussion on lobster carapace size, and the issue of scallop dependent fishermen. I think we made some real progress in these areas but we will have to wait and see how DFO responds," said Minister MacAdam.