Newfoundland aquaculture industry explore opportunities in Chile

Tor-Eddie Fossbakk According to a ministry press release, a key priority during the visit will be to assess the challenges currently facing the Chilean aquaculture sector in terms of fish health and environmental sustainability. The visit will also include a look at best practices within that country’s aquaculture industry and an evaluation of business opportunities that might exist with Chilean companies. Minister Rideout and other provincial officials are travelling to Chile as part of a Canadian Ministerial Trade Mission. Participating in the mission are 29 individuals, including ministers and officials from the Governments of Canada, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and British Columbia. The ministerial mission will coincide with an Atlantic Canada Trade Mission involving the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) and other non-government organizations. This mission will include 17 organizations, a significant portion of which are from Newfoundland and Labrador. Chile is currently the second largest producer and exporter of farmed Atlantic salmon products in the world. It is exceeded only by Norway. At present time, the Chilean aquaculture sector is struggling to address Infectious Salmon Anemia (ISA), which is having a very detrimental impact on the industry in terms of output and value. While in Chile, the minister will attend Aqua Sur 2008, the largest aquaculture trade show in the southern hemisphere. Eight Canadian companies will be exhibiting at Aqua Sur. He will also visit numerous salmon and mussel farms, attend a roundtable on aquaculture issues with Chilean stakeholders, as well as meeting with Chilean ministers and visit various research and development centers.