"This project will alleviate potential biosecurity
risks, providing the technology and infrastructure vital to the planned
expansion of the province's aquaculture industry," said the Honourable
Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "Providing for an
environmentally responsible and secure aquaculture industry is a key
component of the work of our Aquaculture Branch. This project will
increase biosecurity for the industry by moving net cleaning from the
marine environment onto land, using less water than has traditionally
been used and enabling environmentally sustainable and biosecure
disposal of waste material."
The technology, which is being transferred from
Norway, is an industry best practice and demonstrates the Provincial
Government's commitment to supporting the implementation of new advances
in aquaculture technology. The project will provide essential
information and understanding to plan and apply full-scale
commercialization of the technology.
"This project will enable NAS to explore and evaluate
the latest technology and techniques available," said Boyd Pack,
President of Newfoundland Aqua Services Ltd. "It will also result in
having a world class, state-of-the-art net washing facility in this
province. NAS is grateful for the tremendous support of the Provincial
Government and proud to be able to help build a sustainable industry in
rural areas of the province."
The management, treatment and retention of the liquid
waste stream are key elements to the project. It is unlike other systems
currently in existence throughout Canada. As it is a closed washing
system, the waste is not released back into the environment. Following
filtration and settling processes, the water is re-circulated back into
the washing portion of the process.
"We are making significant progress in developing the
aquaculture industry and embracing new technologies," said Tracey Perry,
MHA for Fortune Bay — Cape La Hune District. "Such innovation helps
create meaningful employment opportunities for our youth and residents,
as well as ensure we improve our environmental stewardship. I am very
pleased to see the industry expand throughout the entire area, as we
continue to grow its potential."
NAS is located in St. Alban's and has been providing
cage and net construction, washing and treatment services to the Coast
of Bays Region aquaculture industry for the past 16 years. Other
partners in the project include the National Research Council of Canada
and the Government of Canada. The total value of the project will be
$848,380.
The Aquaculture Strategic Development Program is
valued at $330,000 in Budget 2010:
The Right Investments - For Our
Children and Our Future
. The program is designed to support the
growth of the province's aquaculture industry by providing funding for
strategic areas such as diversifying production, maintaining
competitiveness, increasing capacity in the supply and service sector,
improving product quality and enhancing sustainability.
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