Minister addresses international aquaculture conference in Norway 

(Stavanger, Norway) - Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, today addressed the delegates of Aquavision 2006, an international aquaculture conference taking place in Norway. 

Aquavision 2006 is a renowned biannual conference that attracts stakeholders from all sectors of the global aquaculture industry. Minister Rideout opened the session entitled Capital Nourishment � financing the world�s fastest growing food sector. During his speech Minister Rideout discussed the province�s new Aquaculture Capital Equity Program and the opportunities for cod aquaculture development in Newfoundland and Labrador.  

�Aquaculture is an idea that has flourished in Norway,� said Minister Rideout. �With an industry worth $2.1 billion US, there is no denying that the Norwegian aquaculture sector is a global leader from which there are many valuable lessons to be learned. That is why it was important for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to have strong representation at this year�s AquaVision conference.�  

The conference provided the minister with opportunities to meet with key industry executives, political leaders and senior government officials from aquaculture producing nations around the world.  

Also while in Norway, the minister participated in a multi-species tour on the Ryfylke fjords. The fjords are home to the world�s largest combined population of farmed cod, Atlantic halibut and salmon.  

�The tour of the Ryfylke fjords was a very rewarding experience as it demonstrated just how advanced aquaculture technology has become,� said the minister. �As our province continues to build upon our current successes, there is certainly a lot to look forward to. During the tour, it was clear how modern aquaculture has contributed to securing a renewed sense of optimism in rural communities where traditional employment opportunities are experiencing various challenges.� 

The minister noted that aquaculture development is a key component of government�s plan to further develop our province�s economy. �Aquaculture is a shining star among the opportunities for job creation in rural coastal areas. They understand this in Norway and have grown the industry for the benefit of their economy as a whole. Now we must draw on the lessons learned from Norway. With 90 per cent of our province�s aquaculture potential still waiting for development, we can accomplish as much in Newfoundland and Labrador.� 

• View Minister Rideout�s speaking notes

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 351-4989, 729-3733 

2006 09 27                                                        10:10 a.m.