Fisheries and Aquaculture
Executive Council
July 15, 2014
Achieving Greater Transparency
Aquaculture Statistics Now Available on Provincial Government Website
Key provincial aquaculture statistics which include production volumes, employment numbers, and inspection information are now available on a new page of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture website: www.fishaq.gov.nl.ca/aquaculture/publicreporting.html.
“Through close collaboration with operators, the Provincial Government has made a wide range of information about Newfoundland and Labrador’s fast growing and highly regulated aquaculture industry readily available to the public. Aquaculture will continue to be a key driver of economic activity within the province for years to come, and through this site, we have a one-stop information source that reinforces transparency, consistency, and cooperation across the provincial aquaculture industry.”
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
This new information source is in keeping with the Provincial Government’s Open Government Initiative − a government-wide effort to improve access to government information and data, enhance government’s overall engagement of citizens and stakeholders, and strengthen collaboration between and among all sectors including government.
“This new website is another example of how the Provincial Government is developing innovative ways to help the public access information and provide input on issues that are important to them. Now anyone with an interest in the aquaculture industry has ready access to information they are seeking.”
- The Honourable Sandy Collins, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement
Information from both the finfish and shellfish industries is presented on the site, and will be updated each year as annual industry statistics are gathered and calculated. The site will also include links to completed access to information requests related to aquaculture.
“Members of the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association pursue the highest standards of practice, and make information about their operations available to the Provincial Government on an ongoing basis. We have a good story to tell, so having this information available to the public in an easy to use format will allow everyone to clearly see how our industry is having a positive impact on rural communities throughout the province by creating quality product, good direct and indirect jobs, and contributing to local economies.”
- Miranda Pryor, Executive Director, Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association
Provincial aquaculture generated a record setting production value of $197 million in 2013, and currently supports approximately 1,000 jobs.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government has launched a new website to provide statistics and other information regarding the provincial aquaculture industry.
- The Provincial Government has invested approximately $30 million since 2006 to support the growth of capital investment in aquaculture, which has leveraged more than $400 million in private sector investment.
- Since 2006, the number of finfish sites has doubled, mussel production has reached a record high, and operators have achieved multiple sustainability certifications that verify their adherence to best practices.
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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 | Kip Bonnell Communications Manager Office of Public Engagement 709-729-1221, 687-9081 kbonnell@gov.nl.ca |
| Miranda Pryor Executive Director Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association 709-754-2854 miranda@naia.ca |
2014 07 15 12:20 p.m.