Fisheries and Aquaculture
December 16, 2014

Planning for Future Development in the Aquaculture Sector

Newfoundland and Labrador Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy 2014 Officially Launched

The Provincial Government established a new long-term approach to fostering future aquaculture development today with the release of Newfoundland and Labrador Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy 2014. The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, presented the strategy, which is focused on achieving gains in three areas: enhancing sustainable management practices, growing capacity within the industry, and promoting research and development.

“With support from the Provincial Government, aquaculture has become a key driver of the provincial economy. To date, the industry has created employment for more than 1000 people, and has completely revitalized several rural communities in Newfoundland and Labrador. With this strategy, our government will continue to support the growth of the industry, while maintaining our focus on environmental, social, and economic sustainability.”
- The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture

The new strategy addresses sustainability by committing to the implementation of a provincial fish health management plan, as well as encouraging enhancements to existing regional management plans. The strategy also updates the Provincial Government’s approach to capacity building by committing to help industry players enhance communications with the public, secure and develop human resources, and pursue international market opportunities. In terms of research and development, the strategy outlines the Provincial Government’s intent to work with industry to support projects that prevent and mitigate the spread of aquatic invasive species. The strategy also includes a commitment to develop improved monitoring and evaluation practices for aquaculture sites throughout the province.

Cyr Couturier, President of the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association, joined Minister Granter for the release of the new strategy.

“Members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Aquaculture Industry Association take great pride in maintaining national and international best practices with respect to farming fish and shellfish, because that approach ensures our healthy and sustainably farmed seafood remains second to none. The industry is pleased to have contributed along with the public, our communities, and environmental partners to the development of the Strategy with the Provincial Government. We will continue to collaborate with government on regulatory and management initiatives that advance the reputation of provincial aquaculture products.”
- Cyr Couturier, President, Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association

The Newfoundland and Labrador Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy 2014 was developed using feedback received from more than 120 participants who engaged in aquaculture consultations that took place in November and December of 2013. Participants included representatives from industry, academia, non-governmental organizations, Aboriginal organizations, and municipalities. The new strategy can be found on-line at //www.fishaq.gov.nl.ca.

QUICK FACTS

• Minister Granter officially released Newfoundland and Labrador Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy 2014 today, which will guide the Provincial Government’s future efforts to support aquaculture development.
• Recently released Statistics Canada data shows the Newfoundland and Labrador aquaculture industry accounted for approximately 15.5 per cent of total Canadian aquaculture production and approximately 20 per cent of total Canadian value, ranking the province second in the country for production and value for 2013.
• The Provincial Government’s investment of $14 million in biosecure wharf infrastructure, $9 million state-of-the-art aquatic animal health diagnostic laboratory and development center in St. Alban’s, and its successful creation of a Bay Management Agreement with industry, has helped establish the province as a national leader in 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

Mark Lane Executive Director Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association 709-754-2854 mark@naia.ca

2014 12 16                                                                     1:05 p.m.