Fisheries and Aquaculture
March 25, 2010
The following statement was given today in the House
of Assembly by the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and
Aquaculture:
Provincial Government to Fund
Aquaculture Conference
I rise in this Honourable House today to inform
members present and the public of an important initiative that is
supported by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. That is the
annual conference and trade show held by the Newfoundland and Labrador
Aquaculture Industry Association and the Aquaculture Association of
Canada.
Both of these associations have been instrumental in
advancing the aquaculture industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. Their
annual conference has been a key component of their strategy for
facilitating networking opportunities within the industry. To that end,
my department was pleased to offer $50,000 to support event planning and
hosting for this year's conference.
In 2009, the Newfoundland and Labrador aquaculture
industry reached record levels of production and market value.
Production of aquaculture species rose to 13,625 tonnes, an increase of
18 per cent over 2008. The 2009 market value for provincial aquaculture
increased to $92 million, representing a rise of 45.9 per cent over
2008. Truly, aquaculture has developed into a full industry in
Newfoundland and Labrador, supporting economic growth and development in
coastal areas of the province. This has been due in no small part to the
high level of investment on the part of the Williams Government.
The theme of this year's conference will be
Successful Partnerships for a Sustainable Future. This is a very
appropriate theme because of the collaborative efforts that have been
made to facilitate the growth and development of our province's
aquaculture industry. These industry associations have played a key role
in making that happen. I am sure that the industry and its stakeholders
will continue to work together toward even greater goals in the future.
I am pleased to report that this year, my department
will be co-hosting the joint Cold Harvest 2010 and Aquaculture 2010
annual meetings, conference and trade show in St. John's, from May 16 to
19. It has been an incredibly successful event in the past and we look
forward, with great enthusiasm, to this year's conference.
2010 03 25 1:45 p.m.
