Tender Announced for New Biosecure Wharf in Harbour Breton

To support biosecurity in the aquaculture industry on the province’s south coast, the Provincial Government has issued a tender for the construction of a new wharf near Thompson Beach, Harbour Breton. Biosecurity is vital to maintaining health and to reducing the risk of acquiring disease at an aquaculture farm. The tender will close on March 30.

“In the past, wharves that have been used by the traditional fishery and other marine resource users have also been used by the aquaculture industry,” said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “This not only causes congestion at the wharves, but increases the risk of cross contamination if a disease outbreak were to occur. By building dedicated aquaculture inflow wharves, we are increasing the quality of the product we produce and relieving congestion on public-use wharves.”

The tender includes the wharf, construction of a small office structure and fencing to enclose the property. Wharf design is anticipated to be capable of docking an 82-metre feed vessel currently being used by growers in the region.

“For us to achieve the most sustainable aquaculture industry possible, we have to continue to keep biosecurity a priority,” said Tracey Perry, MHA for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune. “With this in mind, aquaculture inflow wharves are a key component in the development of bay management areas in my district.”

Budget 2011: Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador, provided a commitment of $344,000 to improving biosecurity. As well, more than $9 million was allocated for wharf infrastructure. This included $6.3 million for the completion of wharves at Pool’s Cove and Hermitage which were opened in July 2011.

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2012 03 21             11:10 a.m.