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Fisheries and Aquaculture
November 20, 2012

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

Strong Investment Has Built a Strong Aquaculture Industry

Mr. Speaker, I rise again today in this Honourable House to highlight our government’s financial contribution to the aquaculture industry throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, and to recognize the many projects and initiatives that have provided enormous benefit to our people and our province.

Since 2003, our government has invested close to $60 million into the aquaculture industry. This includes $23 million in marine infrastructure; approximately $10 million for fish health; and $24 million in development initiatives, which has leveraged over $400 million in private sector investment. Mr. Speaker, this level of investment speaks to our government’s vision for this vibrant industry, and the level of confidence we have in its future.

With tremendous aquaculture development opportunities on the south coast, this emerging industry created the need for new infrastructure – in response, we invested. Our government built biosecurity inflow and outflow wharves in communities like Harbour Breton, Pool’s Cove, St. Alban’s, Hermitage and Belleoram.

Fish health and biosecurity was a top priority for our government and the industry – in response, once again, we invested. We constructed the province’s first fish health facility in St. Alban’s which facilitates the work of four of the 16 aquaculture veterinarians in Canada, and many other technical and administrative staff. The Centre for Aquaculture Health and Development is a world-class facility staffed by the best of technical expertise and serves the industry each and every day.

Mr. Speaker, our government has established a strong working relationship with some of the best aquaculture companies in Canada - Cooke Aquaculture, Gray Aqua Group, and Northern Harvest Sea Farms. With private investment of over $400 million, these companies continue to believe in the Newfoundland and Labrador aquaculture industry.

Fish and mussel farming has given communities new hope and new opportunity. It has provided direct and indirect employment. It has rejuvenated the economies of communities where the future was once uncertain.

Mr. Speaker, people are working and rural communities are thriving. Our government is proud to support the aquaculture industry and I invite others to celebrate its success.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2012 11 20                                  2:00 p.m.

 
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