6,000 tonne boost for Newfoundland salmon sector
Northern Harvest Sea Farms has announced that it will produce an additional 1.5 smolts a year once work on expanding its hatchery in Newfoundland is completed, allowing the company to increase its annual harvest volume by 6,000 tonnes.
The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods, joined Northern Harvest Sea Farms today as it announced a $6 million expansion to its salmon hatchery in Stephenville.
“We are proud to stand with Northern Harvest Sea Farms today as they announce yet another positive development for our province's thriving seafood industry,” said Ball. “As part of our vision for the future, it is crucial that we leverage all opportunities to create an even stronger aquaculture industry with a robust supply of high-quality product for markets throughout the world. In doing so we are continuing to support the social and economic viability of rural communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
By expanding its hatchery, Northern Harvest Sea Farms will increase its production capacity by an additional 1.5 million smolts - or 6,000 tonnes of harvested product - each year.
"Those who work to achieve advancements in harvesting, processing and aquaculture are making tremendous contributions to our provincial economy,” said Minister Crocker. “We have pledged to support growth of the salmon industry to 50,000 tonnes per year. The actions by Northern Harvest Sea Farms support this goal and give us a competitive advantage as we market our products internationally.”
Northern Harvest has planned a number of other capital investments, including four new feeding systems for its operations throughout the province at $2 million each.
“Our ongoing partnership with the Provincial Government has helped us grow our operation in the Coast of Bays region with a continued focus on environmental sustainability and quality best practice. Through expanding our operations, we plan to increase our annual production capacity of Atlantic salmon by 6,000 tonnes and increase employment as well,” said Larry Ingalls, President of Northern Harvest.
NAIA welcomes government support
The public support for the planned expansion was applauded by the local industry association.
“It is great that Premier Ball, Minister Crocker and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes the contributions that the aquaculture industry makes to the province and rural coastal communities,” said Mark Lane, Executive Director of Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA).
“They have indicated very clearly that the government supports the sustainable and environmentally responsible expansion of the industry. This announcement is evidence of that commitment. Larry and the Northern Harvest team have clearly demonstrated that success of farming premium seafood in our waters in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner can be achieved through hard-work, dedication and determination,” Lane told Fish Farming Expert.
The total value of aquaculture production in NFLD in 2015 was $161 million.
