N.B. government signs deal with Red Lobster chain to study sustainable fishing

The Government of New Brunswick has signed an agreement with the largest full-service casual-dining company in the world to promote the stability and sustainability of lobster as a resource.

On Monday, July 28 Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet signed a memorandum of understanding with representatives of Darden Restaurants. The goal is to foster collaboration between Darden's and the province on initiatives related to lobster stock and habitat enhancement, lobster science, and management measures promoting the stability and sustainability of the resource.

"To ensure our ocean resources will be sustainable and viable, we require the commitment of industry participants at all levels, including those who serve seafood products to the end user - the consumer," Doucet said. "Our vision of a sustainable and self-sufficient New Brunswick fishery is driven by the goal of developing the industry based on market demands. This relationship with Darden Restaurants will help our processors to be more responsive to the needs of this important customer."

Darden Restaurants buys various New Brunswick seafood product, including lobster, crab, frozen mussels, salmon and arctic char.

"We have seen first-hand the efforts already taking place in New Brunswick regarding lobster stock enhancement and are very impressed," said Bill Herzig, senior vice-president, purchasing, Darden Restaurants. "We want to be part of this innovative undertaking that will help promote change and enhance seafood sustainability efforts."

The memorandum includes the creation of a joint working group that will establish priorities for initiatives related to lobster stock and habitat enhancement. The working group will meet at least twice a year and provide annual reports updating progress on previous commitments as well as identify objectives for the upcoming year.

Darden Restaurants, headquartered in Orlando, Fl., owns and operates more than 1,700 restaurants across North America, including Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52.

Annual sales in 2008 surpassed $6.6 billion.

The New Brunswick seafood and processing industry is worth more than $1 billions annually to the provincial economy.