Contract Awarded for Construction of a New Aquaculture Wharf in Harbour Breton

A new wharf will be constructed in the community of Harbour Breton this year which will promote biosecurity and support aquaculture growers on the south coast of the province. The $5.2 million contract for the wharf was announced today. It will be constructed by Melville Trucking and Excavating Limited of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

“The aquaculture industry continues to be an economic driver for many rural areas throughout Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “Over the past three years, our government has been proactive in addressing the need for aquaculture specific infrastructure in the Coast of Bays region in particular. Over capacity, safety concerns and biosecurity needs necessitated the need to construct and upgrade six aquaculture specific-wharf facilities in the region. Currently, wharves at Hermitage and Pools Cove are operational with another four in different stages of development.”

The new wharf in Harbour Breton is anticipated to be completed in 12 months and will promote enhanced biosecurity by ensuring that fish and materials going to and from aquaculture sites are kept separate. This provides for a healthy and high-quality seafood product and is part of best practices industry-wide.

“The Coast of Bays region has experienced tremendous renewed growth and prosperity since the introduction of aquaculture to the local economy,” said Tracey Perry, MHA for Fortune Bay-Cape La Hune. “I am thrilled to see progress being made on the wharf in Harbour Breton, and I certainly look forward to when it becomes operational. This announcement today once again demonstrates the commitment of our Provincial Government in developing a long-term, sustainable aquaculture industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

The Provincial Government has made considerable investments in aquaculture infrastructure and fish health in recent years. Budget 2012: People and Prosperity – Responsible Investments for a Secure Future includes $6.2 million in new funding for the construction of more aquaculture wharves in the Coast of Bays region, $6.5 million for the Aquaculture Capital Equity Investment Program, and $340,000 to continue the development of a bay management approach to enhancing biosecurity.

“Strong investment in this industry by government and the private sector has provided enormous benefit to the regions and communities in which it has been placed,” said Minister King. “Our government is pursuing the goal to have the most biosecure and sustainable aquaculture industry in Canada. The announcement of a new wharf in Harbour Breton brings us one step closer to this goal.”

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2012 05 15                              10:35 a.m.