New man at the helm of NL aquaculture association
The Newfoundland and Labrador Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) has welcomed a new executive director, Jamie Baker, who has held leadership positions in the areas of communications, news media, and industry representation with a focus on seafood.
Baker replaces Mark Lane, who stepped down after seven years in the job to join philanthropic organisation The Northpine Foundation.
NAIA president Jason Card said Baker was joining at a key point in the aquaculture industry’s development in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).
Seafood powerhouses
“Global seafood powerhouses have established or grown their finfish operations in the province recently, while an exciting consolidation continues in the shellfish sector that will make that sector stronger than ever,” said Card, who is director of compliance and stakeholder relations at one of those powerhouses, salmon farmer Mowi Canada East.
“I have every confidence that Jamie will make sure the positive impact of sustainable aquaculture is effectively communicated and understood in this province and abroad, and I wish him every success in this role.”
The NL provincial government and the industry have a shared goal of reaching 50,000 tonnes of salmon production and 10,750 tonnes of mussel production.
Positive growth
Baker said there was “so much potential for positive growth”.
“Aquaculture plays such a critical role to both the province’s economy, particularly in rural areas, and also in terms of food security,” said the NAIA director.
“I have always been a strong proponent for responsible marine resource development, so working with the province’s aquaculture industry is really a perfect fit and a tremendous opportunity. I share NAIA’s vision of setting the standard for responsible aquaculture and its mission to promote opportunities for aquaculture in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
