Why source seafood from Newfoundland & Labrador
Newfoundland & Labrador sits at the edge of some of the most productive cold-water fishing grounds on earth. For buyers of wild seafood, the province offers a rare combination: pristine waters, iconic species, well-managed stocks and a mature, integrated supply base. Here is why it belongs on your sourcing map.
Cold, clean North Atlantic waters
The cold waters of the Northwest Atlantic produce seafood with the firm texture and sweet, clean flavour that chefs and retailers prize — from snow crab and cold-water shrimp to scallops, cod and Greenland halibut. Cold water means slow growth and dense, high-quality flesh.
Well-managed, MSC-certified stocks
Canada's Northwest Atlantic fisheries include some of the largest MSC-certified stocks in the world. Yellowtail flounder has been certified since 2010; snow crab, redfish, cold-water shrimp, offshore scallop and Greenland halibut are certified too. Careful management has helped rebuild stocks such as yellowtail flounder.
A world-class species range
Few regions offer such breadth from one origin: premium shellfish (snow crab, lobster, shrimp, scallops, whelk), groundfish (flounder, halibut, cod, redfish) and seasonal pelagics (capelin, mackerel). Buyers can consolidate multiple species with a single, accountable supply partner.
An integrated supply base
Newfoundland & Labrador's seafood industry combines an inshore harvesting fleet of thousands of independent fishers with offshore factory-freezer vessels and modern shore plants. Vertically integrated companies such as Ocean Choice manage the chain from quota to market, giving buyers traceability and dependable supply.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Newfoundland seafood high quality?
The cold, clean Northwest Atlantic produces slow-grown fish and shellfish with firm texture and sweet, clean flavour.
Are Newfoundland fisheries sustainable?
Many are MSC certified — including yellowtail flounder, snow crab, redfish, shrimp, scallop and Greenland halibut — and managed to rebuild and maintain stocks.
Can I source multiple species from one supplier?
Yes — integrated suppliers like Ocean Choice offer shellfish, groundfish and pelagics from one origin with a single point of contact.
Further reading
Source wild Newfoundland seafood
Tell us the species and volumes you need — we will build an offer from our Newfoundland & Labrador supply.