February 27, 1996
(Fisheries, Food and Agriculture)

The following is being distributed at the request of the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association:

Aquaculture association to hold annual conference and trade show

The annual conference and trade show of the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association will be held in Gander March 5 to 7. NALA executive director Marc Kielley expects registration to increase this year and for this reason the event is being held in Gander to take advantage of the larger conference facilities and the town's convenient location for travel.

Close to 300 people are expected from across Newfoundland and other aquaculture producing regions of Canada. Kielley says that in addition to the local finfish and shellfish aquaculturists, there should be a strong representation from business, government, academia, educational institutions and community development agencies. The conference is being sponsored by the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Fisheries, Food and Agriculture, Air Canada/Air Nova, Maritime Marlin Travel and Midland Transport.

Plenty of activities are packed into the two day meeting. Registration begins at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 5 followed by an evening social from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The conference starts on March 6 with opening remarks at 8:30 a.m. by Marc Kielley; Dr. Bud Hulan, Minister of Fisheries, Food and Agriculture, and keynote speaker, Brad Hicks, CEO of International Aqua Farms Ltd. of British Columbia. International Aqua Farm is a major producer of farmed salmon and has farms in Canada, United States and Chile.

Panel discussions have been designed around topics of current importance to industry development. Each session will feature guest speakers with particular expertise in the topics to be discussed. Discussion topics ranging from Human Resource Development, Farm Health Practices for Finfish Operators, Seed Availability for Mussel Culture, Scallop Aquaculture Commercialization and PKD in Newfoundland will be held on March 6. The NAIA will also hold its AGM on March 6 at 4:30 p.m. From 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. an aquaculture buffet is planed followed by an evening of entertainment with Newfoundland entertainer Gord Drake.

On Thursday, March 7 the agenda begins at 8:30 a.m. and runs until 5:30 p.m. Agenda topics range from Aquaculture Species Development and Research; Effective Media Relations; Aquaculture Financing; Information on the R&D Tax Credit Program; Finfish Nutrition and Feeding Regimes and Shellfish Health Issues.

Kielley says that the Trade Show component will feature 28 exhibitors comprising a wide range of companies. "The trade exhibit will enable growers or new entrants to obtain information on supplies, equipment and new technology available and to place orders. The exhibits will also enable participants to obtain information on how to get started in aquaculture; aquaculture financing programs; aquaculture computer information and consulting services. In all it should make for a very informative and enjoyable conference."

Special rates have been obtained for air travel to the conference, car rental and accommodations. There will also be a draw for two airline tickets anywhere Air Nova flies. For a conference information package please call Marc Kielley at (709) 754-2854 or fax (709) 754-2981.