May 27, 2014
Aquaculture Advances Economic Prosperity
Minister Presents Information About Aquaculture Industry to Senate Committee
The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, presented information about the province’s aquaculture industry to the Senate Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans today as part of public hearings held in Gander. The sessions in Gander are part of nationwide hearings the committee is holding to examine the regulation of aquaculture, current challenges, and future prospects for the industry in Canada.
“Aquaculture makes a significant contribution to Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy, especially in rural areas. The Provincial Government has partnered with industry to foster its growth, while continuously supporting various initiatives to ensure best practices are always used. Our partnership has helped the provincial aquaculture industry achieve a record setting $197 million in production value last year, and also helped establish one of the most comprehensive aquaculture biosecurity programs in the country.”
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
During the presentation, Minister Hutchings noted that Newfoundland and Labrador was one of the first jurisdictions in Canada to enact an aquaculture act, which was most recently updated in 2012. It was also noted that in 2010, the Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences of the Atlantic Veterinary College of UPEI completed a study that found the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador had the most comprehensive aquaculture biosecurity program of any government organization it had studied in Canada.
“Newfoundland and Labrador’s aquaculture legislation is some of the most progressive and comprehensive legislation in the country, and we update our approach with industry over time to address any emerging challenges or new developments. An example of this would be the recent adoption of a bay management plan to regulate the management and growth of aquaculture sites, which in turn ensures sustainable, responsible aquaculture activity.”
- Minister Hutchings
Additional presentations by industry representatives and various advocates with a stake in aquaculture activity were scheduled with the committee throughout the course of the day.
QUICK FACTS
- Minister Keith Hutchings presented information about the provincial aquaculture industry to the Senate Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans today.
- Between 2006 and 2013 the Provincial Government committed approximately $25 million to support aquaculture development − an investment that leveraged approximately $400 million from the private sector, and generated tremendous economic activity in rural areas of the province.
- Since 2006, the number of finfish sites in the province has doubled, mussel production volume reached a record high 2012, and the number of job supported by aquaculture activity has grown to more than 1,000.
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Media contacts:
| Jason Card Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 699-0470 jasoncard@gov.nl.ca |
2014 05 27 1:20 p.m.