Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, announced the funding, which will develop the fourth inflow wharf in the region. These wharves are used exclusively by the aquaculture industry to reduce the possibility of cross contamination by other vessels.
“This government has worked closely with the provincial aquaculture industry to create infrastructure that ensures our province leads the country in the areas of biosecurity and sustainable aquaculture practices. With this investment of C$4 million, we are building on the wharf infrastructure we have already created in communities like Harbour Breton, Hermitage, and Pool’s Cove, and positioning the aquaculture industry for more of the tremendous success it has already achieved,” Mr Hutchings said.
The wharf in Milltown will be used specifically by operations that farm steelhead trout, which contributes significantly to the province’s finfish aquaculture activity.
“The Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association and its members greatly appreciate the Provincial Government’s commitment to providing the infrastructure necessary for the long-term development of the industry. Our operators continue to achieve national and international certifications for using best practices in aquaculture, and infrastructure investments like this help make those achievements possible,” said Miranda Pryor, Executive Director, Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association.
Information from both the finfish and shellfish industries is presented on the site, and will be updated each year as annual industry statistics are gathered and calculated. The site will also include links to completed access to information requests related to aquaculture.
“Members of the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association pursue the highest standards of practice, and make information about their operations available to the Provincial Government on an ongoing basis. We have a good story to tell, so having this information available to the public in an easy to use format will allow everyone to clearly see how our industry is having a positive impact on rural communities throughout the province by creating quality product, good direct and indirect jobs, and contributing to local economies,” said Ms Pryor.
In total, C$8.6 million has been allocated to advance aquaculture infrastructure projects in the Coast of Bays since 2013.
“Aquaculture has completely revitalized the economic well-being of communities throughout the Coast of Bays, and increased infrastructure provides a solid foundation to build on that success. This government believes in developing opportunities in rural areas and supporting industrial development, and this investment is further evidence of our plan to generate wealth in all areas of the province,” said
Tracey Perry, MHA for Fortune Bay-Cape La Hune.
The Provincial Government’s overall investment to date in biosecure wharf infrastructure currently stands at C$14 million, which in turn supported salmonid production valued at C$182 million last year.
