“The government continues to reiterate its support for this important economic activity for our rural communities by committing to important infrastructure needs of ongoing activities of our salmonid sector,” stated Jennifer Woodland, President.
“Completion of wharf infrastructure to permit coordinated and responsible activities among legitimate users of the coast, including fish harvesters and aquaculture operators are important investments for biosecurity and for general operations of all concerned,” added Cyr Couturier, Executive Director.
Budget 2013-2014 provides for C$8.6 million in infrastructure support for an industry that contributed nearly C$200 million in direct and indirect benefits to our rural communities in 2012.
In addition, the NAIA welcomes the integration of the annual, small, but important Aquaculture Development Fund into a much larger Seafood Development Programme that will benefit all segments of the industry, both the farmed and wild seafood producers.
“This is an important milestone, recognising the importance of fish and shellfish farming operations to the Provincial sustainable seafood output,” commented Couturier.
The Newfoundland aquaculture industry produced approximately C$120 million in farm gate sales in 2012, valued as much as C$200 million to the Provincial economy. Over 1,000 people are directly employed in dozens of our communities on farms, in processing plants, and in the supply sector, producing healthy, nutritious, and sustainable seafood
for the world.
