Newfoundland government supporting aquaculture development

Odd Grydeland While provincial officials in British Columbia are all but silent regarding their support for the aquaculture development, and still reeling form the loss of three coastal seats in the legislature during recent elections, the Danny Williams government in Newfoundland and Labrador makes no apology for supporting the fledgling aquaculture industry on the East Coast of Canada. In a recent interview with Clayton Hunt of The Coaster, Tracey Perry, the Member of the House of Assembly (MHA)  for Fortune Bay-Cape LA Hune, said that she is ..prepared to work hard on the behalf of her constituents in 2010; Ms. Perry noted that 2010 will be another interesting year for her district. She said, "I certainly think that aquaculture will continue to be a growth sector for us. We're going to se the construction of a new diagnostic health clinic in St. Alban's and hopefully, the construction of a new salmon hatchery will also get under way for the Coast of Bays. "We also hope to see the beginning of the construction on four new in-flow aquaculture wharves in the area which will be a great addition to the aquaculture industry. "The cod nursery in Belleoram will be continuing it's operation, and we will see more fish in the water from the various companies in the area." The MHA noted that the provincial government will continue its support of the traditional fishery in the New Year as well. "I think that the traditional fishery will continue to be a very important sector for us, especially here in the Coast of Bays where it's one of our biggest employers. "As a government, we have to do everything we can to assure the sustainability of the industry. The provincial Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (DFA) has set up a Fisheries Working Committee that is completing a financial analysis of the seafood-processing sector and of the fishing industry. "Through this process, and our consultation with harvesters, our government is committed to finding solutions for this important industry, and we will do everything we can to see its long-term survival." With regards to infrastructure, Ms. Perry said that the new Minister of Transportation, Thomas Hedderson realizes the importance of the roads in the district in relation to the aquaculture industry. She said, "I will be lobbying Minister Hedderson for our fair share of road work in 2010. However, I have to say that all the needed work will not be completed in the New Year. "We have to finish work on the Bay d'Espoir Highway, the Harbour Breton road as well as sectors within communities like St. Joseph's Cove, Milltown, Hermitage and Fortune Bay North."