Canadian aquaculture growing fastest in Newfoundland
Contrary to the situation in British Columbia, the aquaculture industry in the Eastern Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador is growing in leaps and bounds, as described in a recent release by Miranda Pryor, Executive Director of the province's aquaculture association;
The Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) is pleased to report that the provincial aquaculture industry is thriving and contributing to many rural communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. “The aquaculture industry throughout Newfoundland and Labrador is playing a significant role in our rural economy and through the commitment of our many dedicatedemployees both on the water and within our processing plants we are striving to reach our full potential while respecting the environment and our neighbours” said Miranda Pryor, Executive Director of the NAIA. “Newfoundland has the site capacity to become the largest producer of aquaculture products in Canada, which in turn would bring related economic activity and over a thousand jobs to dozens of communities along our coasts.”Experienced, well established aquaculture companies from throughout the country are investing in growth of the Atlantic salmon and Steelhead trout industries throughout the Coast of Bays region. These companies are focused on sustainability - both of the environment and of the industry.“Newfoundland and Labrador is leading the country with the level of growth that is being experienced within our aquaculture industry” said Pryor. “Our mussel and salmon industries are expanding and developing new markets and products. As well, local research and investment is also expected to lead to world class cod farming in our province”.We are benefiting from the experience, expertise and science from neighbouring provinces as we develop our sector and collaborate with government agencies to ensure we have the right regulations and codes of practice in place to address key fish health and environmental management issues. We are proud of our short track record on containment, bio-security, fish health and environmental management. All aquaculture producers in the province adhere to strict provincial and federal regulations and embrace a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
