Newfoundland and Labrador Sustainable Aquaculture Growth Plan

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recently announced 28 actions to promote sustainable aquaculture development.

At the announcement, Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, was joined by members of the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA); Ministers of the Cabinet Committee on Jobs; community, academic, and business leaders; and high school and university students.

Sustainable Aquaculture Growth Actions include:

Responding to the human resource needs of the industry with tailored labour market supports, immigration attraction, and efforts to help make youth aware of opportunities in aquaculture;

Responding to the capital and infrastructure needs of the industry by adjusting government funding programs and exploring partnership opportunities to develop facilities that strengthen the value chain for mussel and salmon producers;

Responding to the public awareness and market access needs of the industry by developing a marketing strategy that promotes products and builds public trust;

Responding to the needs of provincial entrepreneurs by promoting opportunities for aquaculture supply and service companies, which in turn creates new employment and maximizes industry competitiveness;

Responding to the public’s need for sustainable aquaculture development by reviewing all provincial policies related to aquaculture, including the provincial Code of Containment and other measures used to promote sustainability, which ensures the province remains a leader in best practices for years to come.

 

The Provincial Government and NAIA share a goal to grow salmon production to 50,000 metric tonnes annually, and grow mussel production to 10,750 metric tonnes annually. The increase in production is expected to increase in the number of year-round jobs supported by aquaculture from 1,000 to 2,100.

In addition to pursuing positive employment and economic outcomes, the Provincial Government also placed priority on increasing provincial food self-sufficiency and leveraging the world class training provided to students of the Marine Institute.

All actions included in the new sector work plan are projected to be fully operational within 20 months, according to the announcement. A copy of the sector work plan and other materials presented at the aquaculture industry summit can be found online at: www.gov.nl.ca/aquaculturesummit.

As part of The Way Forward vision, the Provincial Government is directly engaging the aquaculture, agriculture, and technology sectors to address industry needs in ways that result in new employment and economic activity throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

The next industry summit will be held with the agriculture industry this fall, and the technology summit will follow in early 2018.

source: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

 

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