The Provincial Government continues to foster a positive working relationship with the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) as both parties move forward with a collaborative approach to further develop the province�s aquaculture sector.

Today, the Honourable Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, met with the board of directors of NAIA to explore new opportunities within the aquaculture sector and to move forward on other initiatives that are currently under development.

"I was very pleased to again have the opportunity to meet face to face with the NAIA board of directors," said Minister Rideout. "I meet regularly with the board, as it provides an important venue for government to listen to the needs and concerns of the industry. Indeed, it enables me to come away with a comprehensive understanding of how government can further contribute to the rapid growth of this industry."

A number of topics were addressed during the meeting. These included marketing of provincial aquaculture products, infrastructure requirements, federal support for aquaculture renewal and the need to communicate globally the investment potential that exists within the aquaculture sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"These are exciting times for the aquaculture industry in Newfoundland and Labrador and we appreciate the opportunity to again meet with Minister Rideout and discuss current issues facing our industry," said Miranda Pryor, executive director of NAIA. "We are very encouraged by the minister�s continued commitment to our industry and we look forward to further collaborations between our board of directors and the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture throughout 2008."

The members of the board of directors of NAIA represent the major blue mussel, Atlantic salmon and steelhead trout producers in the province and they volunteer their time and expertise to help foster the development of the aquaculture industry throughout rural Newfoundland and Labrador.

"We had some very productive discussions as it relates to the development of infrastructure within the industry, as well as new approaches to marketing and communications," said Minister Rideout. "I took the opportunity to reaffirm government�s commitment to build upon our unprecedented investments and to assist the industry in any way possible as we all move forward with the development of this province�s aquaculture sector."

The Provincial Government tripled the funding for aquaculture in Budget 2006 with an investment of almost $6 million. In Budget 2007, in excess of $14 million was allocated for aquaculture support. The value of the province�s aquaculture industry has increased from $33.5 million in 2005 to $53.5 million in 2006. This represented a 60 per cent increase in a single year. During that time, the production value of the industry increased from 8,164 to 10,400 metric tons.

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Media contact:
Lori Lee Oates
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 690-8403
oatesll@gov.nl.ca