Shrimp Processor Won't Rebuild After Fire

A fishing village in northeast Canada learned last week that a shrimp processing plant destroyed by fire last May will not be rebuilt.

Gulf Shrimp Limited blamed declining shrimp quotas and the closure of other shrimp plants for the decision not to rebuild in Black Duck Cove, located in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Replacement cost for the plant is estimated at more than $15 million.  The plant payroll at the time of the fire stood at around 75 employees, down from a record 120.

The company encouraged its former staff to apply to any of the other three shrimp processing plants operated by Gulf Shrimp Limited in Newfoundland.

Eva Applin, a representative with the local United Food and Commercial Workers chapter, said she worries that the loss of the plant will spell economic run for Black Duck Cove.