Innovation, Trade and Rural
Development
Fisheries and Aquaculture
February 15, 2010
Aquaculture Industry Targets Expansion with Training
Focused on expanding the
aquaculture industry in the Coast of Bays and Green Bay
Regions, the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry
Association (NAIA) is launching professional development
training for local finfish and shellfish aquaculturists.
The training, supported
by a $163,896 investment from the Provincial Government,
will be delivered by instructors from the Fisheries and
Marine Institute of Memorial University (MI). Beginning
in the Bay d'Espoir area in February, the training
sessions will cover labour issues, safety, workforce
skill development, and opportunities for expansion.
"Newfoundland and
Labrador's aquaculture is an industry of tremendous
potential," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister
of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "Developing
the workforce and introducing initiatives that support
industry competitiveness and expansion is a key step in
creating new business and employment opportunities. I am
confident that with continued education and
collaboration, the province's aquaculture industry will
realize its fullest potential and position itself as a
world leader."
Developed in partnership
with industry stakeholders and MI, NAIA anticipates 30
sessions being held over a three-year period. In the
first year, up to 12 sessions will be held in the two
regions and focus on best practices and opportunities
for salmonid and mussel farming.
"With exports valued at
$63 million in 2008, Newfoundland and Labrador's
aquaculture industry has experienced substantial growth,
increasing its production by nearly 40 per cent from
2007 to 2008," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman,
Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "The Provincial
Government is committed to giving the industry the tools
it needs so that it can continue to succeed on the
international stage."
Formed in 1993, NAIA is a
non-profit organization with a mission to assist the
aquaculture industry in achieving its full potential. It
delivers programs and services to its members to attain
excellence in safety, quality, environmental
sustainability, and profitability.
"The aquaculture industry
is contributing to the long-term sustainability of our
province's rural areas," Cyr Couturier, Executive
Director, NAIA. "The Provincial Government's support in
this project to maintain and provide skills to advance
local industry is essential. Greater training will
enable the sector to compete in the global marketplace
while providing advanced training in a technologically
advanced industry that produces high-quality,
nutritious, and environmentally sustainable food."
This initiative was
funded with a $137,077 investment from the Department of
Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, and $26,819
from the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
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Media contacts:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural
Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
|
Lori Lee Oates
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 690-8403
oatesll@gov.nl.ca
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Cyr Couturier
Executive Director
Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association
709-754-2854, ext. 1
cyr@naia.ca |
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2010 02 15
10:00 a.m.
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