Government supporting Aquaculture Awareness Session in Coast of Bays Region

Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today reiterated government�s commitment to the aquaculture sector and to rural Newfoundland and Labrador with an announcement of $2,500 to assist in the organization of the Coast of Bays Region Aquaculture Awareness Session.

"Aquaculture is an idea whose time has finally come in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Rideout. "This is particularly evident on the Connaigre Peninsula. Clearly, this region has seized the opportunities available in the aquaculture sector, but much potential for further development exists. Our government is committed to providing the tools that are necessary to unleash this potential and this contribution is indicative of this commitment.

"As aquaculture provides many meaningful employment opportunities for rural regions of our province," continued the minister, "government is pleased to support the organization of an Aquaculture Awareness Session in the Coast of Bays Region as it will further promote the industry and play a role in moving it forward."

The Aquaculture Awareness Session aims to facilitate the development of close ties between industry and communities that will lead to a cooperative effort toward solving the challenges of both the Coast of Bays Region and the aquaculture sector. It will bring together all stakeholders in the region with members of the aquaculture industry.

"Without question, the success story of the aquaculture industry on the Connaigre Peninsula illustrates the true potential of this industry in our province," said Minister Rideout, "and it bodes well for other areas of rural Newfoundland and Labrador. However, this is only the beginning of the story for aquaculture in our province, and our government will support its development in any way possible.

"I look forward to attending the Aquaculture Awareness Session, and I am sure it will be most beneficial for everyone involved."

The Coast of Bays Corporation of St. Alban�s is leading the organization of the Aquaculture Awareness Session, with contributions from a number of other organizations. These include the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Newfoundland Salmonid Growers Association, the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) and the departments of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Innovation, Trade and Rural Development.

The Aquaculture Awareness Session is taking place today, July 11, in Head Bay d�Espoir.

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3733, 690-8403, oatesll@gov.nl.ca

2006 07 11                     10:25 a.m.