“Through close collaboration with operators, the Provincial Government has made a wide range of information about Newfoundland and Labrador’s fast growing and highly regulated aquaculture industry readily available to the public. Aquaculture will continue to be a key driver of economic activity within the province for years to come, and through this site, we have a one-stop information source that reinforces transparency, consistency, and cooperation across the provincial aquaculture industry,” said Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
This new information source is in keeping with the Provincial Government’s Open Government Initiative − a government-wide effort to improve access to government information and data, enhance government’s overall engagement of citizens and stakeholders, and strengthen collaboration between and among all sectors including government.
“This new website is another example of how the Provincial Government is developing innovative ways to help the public access information and provide input on issues that are important to them. Now anyone with an interest in the aquaculture industry has ready access to information they are seeking,” said Sandy Collins, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement.
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 Miranda Pryor, Executive Director, Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association.
Provincial aquaculture generated a record setting production value of $197 million in 2013, and currently supports approximately 1,000 jobs.
The aquaculture statistics can be viewed here.
