In 2007, Newfoundland and Labrador’s aquaculture industry achieved an export value of $40 million. Its seafood product of 8,300 tonnes, produced by 99 license holders, directly employed over 400 people. A recent industry report suggests that at the current growth rate, an output of up to 50,000 tonnes of shellfish and finfish is achievable by about 2012, with an export value of $300 million annually.
What is behind this growth and positive outlook?
First, the local industry has a history of research and development that laid the groundwork for commercialization. It dates back over two decades with individuals who experimented with different species and farming methods to suit local growing conditions.
Second, the province has natural assets that have significant value such as a coastline that is close to key international markets and that is ideal for growing shellfish and finfish. This includes having one of the wealthiest consumer markets in the world, the northeast United States, on its doorstep.
The Provincial Government has identified aquaculture as a priority. It has invested in initiatives that focus on fish health and licensing, as well as developing the necessary infrastructure and policies required to advance the industry.
Currently, the province’s industry focuses on atlantic salmon and steelhead trout which are ideally suited to the sheltered bays and fjords of its south coast; blue mussels which are farmed primarily along the northeast coast of the island; and atlantic cod, which is ready for pre-commercial development.
“Our product is primarily for the fresh fish market. We currently export to the United States and within Canada, and new initiatives are helping to further exploit the vast European market,” says Miranda Pryor, executive director, Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association.
As a rural-based industry, aquaculture has gained acceptance in coastal communities across the province. From truck drivers to veterinarians, from fish-farm technicians to fisheries management consultants, the growing aquaculture industry is helping to grow rural areas while having a major positive impact across many sectors of the economy.
This article appears in The Ambassador Newsletter Volume 15, Issue 3. Browse the Newsletter Archives to access more entertaining and informative articles. You can also select the following links for quick access to this issue's articles.
Full Plate | Blue Mussels | Coast of Opportunities | Casting Off | Leaping to Success
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