New aquaculture infrastructure on Newfoundland’s South Coast
"A new aquatic veterinary diagnostic facility to be located in St. Alban’s and new wastewater treatment infrastructure for processing plants in the area are milestones that will strengthen the industry’s capacity to realize its vast potential, as well as generate new economic and employment growth in rural areas," said Minister Rideout, during his visit in St. Alban’s last week to announce details of both initiatives. Funding for both was provided in Budget 2007 – CAD 1.2 million toward the estimated CAD 4.3 million cost of the aquatic veterinary diagnostic facility, and CAD 1.9 million for wastewater treatment equipment for processing facilities in the south coast region. Along with other funding, this increased the department’s funding for aquaculture to in excess of CAD 14 million. "Through our strategic investments, the salmonid industry on the south coast is seeing additional and substantial investment from companies both within and outside the province," said Minister Rideout. "The new investments for infrastructure will make the industry even more competitive with other aquaculture-producing regions and help ensure the industry’s long-term sustainability as well as that of rural areas where aquaculture can grow and thrive." The aquatic veterinary diagnostic facility will be the regional office for the provincial government’s aquaculture staff, and will house approximately 10 staff including development, aquaculture health and inspection personnel. The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture is in the process of increasing its fish health capability and hiring staff who will work at the new facility. The facility will help the province ensure that its aquaculture resource is protected over the long-term through effective disease management while enabling producers to operate in an environmentally-sustainable manner. Minister Rideout also provided an update on the wastewater treatment infrastructure. He said the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has requested and received proposals from companies involved in seafood processing in the region, and the department is now working with the industry to ensure that wastewater treatment equipment is installed over the next six months. Funding for wastewater treatment systems will be provided to the processing plants at Harbour Breton, Gaultois and Hermitage, all of which are located in the salmonid culture zone. These systems will allow all wastewater from fish processing activities to be thoroughly disinfected before being discharged. This will ensure that the water being released is free of any substance that could harm aquaculture species. The value of the aquaculture industry increased from CAD 33.5 million in 2005 to CAD 53.5 million in 2006 – a 60 per cent increase. At present there are 370 full-time equivalent positions in the province’s aquaculture industry. Photo: Newfoundland Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Picture: Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
