The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture:

Aquaculture Development Continues Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this Honourable House to highlight the many ongoing positive developments in our province’s aquaculture industry.

Since 2006, aquaculture has grown in value from just over $52 million to $120 million in 2011. The industry is on course to once again grow in 2012. The tremendous success we have seen can be attributed to many things, but primarily to the commitment of our people and the companies they work for.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Coast of Bays region for the first time as Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. What I experienced was astounding – almost 100 per cent employment and communities that have been given a new lease on life.

During my visit, I had the privilege of announcing $5 million for Gray Aqua Group Limited. The funding will support the company in growing its farming operation from 4,000 metric tonnes annually to 16,000 metric tonnes. This is extremely positive news for the industry.

In addition, through the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, our government provided a $125,000 term loan to Silk Stevens, an aquaculture service company, that will be establishing an office in Grand Falls-Windsor.

And finally, we recently announced $1 million for an expansion to a biosecurity wharf in Pool’s Cove, where larger boats will dock to deliver the growing amounts of feed that are required for the industry.

The impact of this industry is not only being felt on our south coast, and the Coast of Bays region, but it is also expanding to other areas of our province at a rapid pace. This is directly associated with the industry’s confidence, the quality of fish it is producing, global demand for farmed salmon, and undoubtedly our commitment as a government to foster growth and development.

Mr. Speaker, what we have learned over the years is that in order for this industry to be sustainable, it needs to be fostered and managed properly. For this reason, our government began to invest heavily and establish strong policies and procedures right from the beginning. Today, we have five companies that are doing very well. We have over 1,000 people who are working full time. We have the most stringent and effective biosecurity protocols in place of any jurisdiction in the world, all augmented by a world-class Centre for Aquaculture Health and Development which is run by the most qualified of staff.

This is a success story for rural Newfoundland and Labrador, and indeed a success story for our government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2012 11 19             2:05 p.m.