Fisheries and Aquaculture
January 2, 2014

Growth in Provincial Aquaculture Supports Long-Term
Prosperity for Rural Communities

Aquaculture Industry Projected to Exceed Production Value of $180 million in 2013

The provincial aquaculture industry is expected to achieve record-breaking production value two years in a row, as it is projected to generate more than $180 million in 2013. In 2012, the total production value of provincial finfish and shellfish aquaculture exceeded $120 million.

“The Provincial Government is very proud of our partnership with the industry, and our efforts to promote the sustainable growth of aquaculture through investments, programming, and regulation. Since 2006, we have provided more than $25 million to foster the success of the industry, which has helped double the number of finfish sites in the province, helped mussel production reach unprecedented volumes, and created employment for approximately 1,000 people in rural communities.”
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture

As part of efforts to continue the success of the industry, the Provincial Government held aquaculture consultations in November and December to update the Provincial Government’s strategic plan for aquaculture. In the course of the consultation process, the Provincial Government received almost 40 written submissions from interested parties, and also received feedback from industry participants, academics, government representatives, and representatives from non-governmental organizations at sessions held throughout the province. All feedback will be presented in a public What We Heard document to be published in the new year.

”Seafood produced by the provincial aquaculture industry is of the highest quality, and our province continues to gain recognition as a fine purveyor of responsibly-farmed products. Like all food production activities, we have had challenges to overcome, but our industry has made substantial gains, and the support of the Provincial Government puts us in a great position to continue generating economic benefits in rural areas in the years to come.”
- Cyr Couturier, Executive Director, Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association

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 aquaculture industry is expected to set a record in 2013 with a projected total production value of more than $180 million for farmed finfish and shellfish.
• In addition to achieving record production levels, provincial mussels recently became the first in North America to be certified to the Canadian Organic Aquaculture Standard, which assures consumers that their seafood is organic and farmed in an environmentally-sound manner.
• Over the course of 2013, the Provincial Government and the salmon farming sector finalized a bay management regime that will identify ideal locations for new sites and prescribe best practices for fallowing sites.

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2014 01 02             10:10 a.m.