Fisheries and Aquaculture
November 18, 2013

Renewed Aquaculture Strategy to Strengthen Province’s Vibrant Economy

Provincial Consultations Will Inform the Provincial Aquaculture Strategy

To foster the continued success of an aquaculture industry that is expected to generate more than $180 million in production value this year while employing approximately 1000 people, the Provincial Government will engage in consultations about the industry from Monday, November 25 to Friday, December 13. These consultations will be used to update the Provincial Government’s aquaculture strategic plan, which was last revised in 2005.

“Aquaculture has grown rapidly since the Provincial Government’s strategic plan for the industry was last updated in 2005, with the number of finfish sites in the province almost doubling, mussel production reaching a record high, and rural communities enjoying long-term economic prosperity as a result. The industry has matured since then to become a true economic driver, and so the time is right for the Provincial Government to gather input that will guide future development, and continue aquaculture’s growing contribution to our vibrant economy.”
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture

When the consultations commence, interested parties will be able to submit their feedback to the Provincial Government via the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture website: www.fishaq.gov.nl.ca. The consultation web page will provide information about the consultation process, and will feature a background document about the industry and a questionnaire comprised of multiple-choice and open-ended questions.

The Provincial Government will also engage aquaculture operators, wild fishery stakeholders, scientists, and municipal leaders directly during the consultation period to gain their specific input. Once the consultations are complete, the feedback will be reviewed, summarized into a “What We Heard” document that will be placed on the department’s website, and then used to inform the development of strategy that will guide future Provincial Government initiatives to assist the industry.

“The Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association is pleased to participate in this consultation process, as we are eager to support long-term planning that will ensure our industry continues to support prosperity in rural areas, while continuing to grow into an even stronger player in the international marketplace.”
- Dr. Laura Halfyard, Board Member of the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association, and General Manager of Sunrise and Connaigre Fish Farms

Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries, and building a vibrant economy.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government will hold consultations about the aquaculture industry from November 25 to December 13, 2013 to inform the Provincial Government’s aquaculture strategic plan.
• The Provincial Government has invested more than $25 million since 2006 to support the growth and development of the aquaculture industry.
• Aquaculture producers in Newfoundland and Labrador carefully follow established biosecurity measures, and Newfoundland and Labrador leads the country in fish health expertise thanks to substantial investments in facilities like the $8 million Centre for Aquaculture Health in St. Alban’s.
• A report produced by the Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences of the Atlantic Veterinary College at UPEI in 2010 stated that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador had the most comprehensive aquaculture biosecurity program of any government organization it studied.

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2013 11 18                                        11:15 a.m.