A group of concerned fishermen’s organizations and processors initiated a research and consultation project to identify ways to improve the handling of ground fish onboard fixed gear vessels.  Since the inception of the project in 1997, the group led by the Nova Scotia Fish Packers Association, shared a common goal of achieving the highest quality fish thus increasing the value of their product in the face of reduced quotas and ever increasing world wide competition.

Phase I of the Project focused on identification of current at-sea fish handling practices and initial areas for improvement.  Phase II tested the initial recommendations under regular commercial fishing conditions to eventually determine those feasible for adoption by industry.  Since the Project’s inception, its ultimate goal was to develop a training system that would promote the best at-sea fish handling practices, improve the profitability of both harvesters and processors and re-establish pride within industry members.

Quality Ground fish from Ship to Shore  gives an overview of the best fish handling practices on board fixed gear vessels.  Designed for both the harvester and processing sector, this booklet will provide the reader with the know how to effectively land high quality ground fish.