Newfoundland set for major expansion in salmon farming
The minister responsible for fisheries and aquaculture development in Newfoundland and Labrador recently expressed his amazement over the “phenomenal growth of the aquaculture industry in the Coast of Bays Region on the south coast” (of Newfoundland- VOCM). There is no doubt that this area will support the biggest increase in the output of Canadian farmed salmon and trout over the next few years. This growth in production could easily be matched by British Columbia if the federal government decided to ignore the rhetoric produced by extreme environmental groups hell-bent to stop any form of net-pen based salmon farming on Canada’s west coast.
As an example of its ongoing support for salmon farming in Newfoundland, the province’s premier was recently quoted in The Telegram;
Premier Kathy Dunderdale today opened two new aquaculture wharves on the province’s south coast. The wharves are located in Hermitage-Sandyville and Pool’s Cove, which are said to be strategic locations for the development of the province’s aquaculture industry.
According to a news release, a total of $9 million (€7.7 million) has been allocated over three years for the construction and upgrade of aquaculture wharves in the province, including $5.7 million (~€4.2 million) for the wharves at Hermitage-Sandyville and Pool’s Cove.
“The dedication of these wharves today marks a significant milestone for the aquaculture industry and for the Coast of Bays region,” Dunderdale said. “Our province’s aquaculture industry has been growing at a very rapid pace, more than doubling in production value in recent years. These new wharves are an important component of our government’s plan to support a fast-growing industry in making its mark in the global marketplace. Having the appropriate infrastructure will also ensure that our industry develops in a sustainable and biosecure manner that will ensure the continued health of our marine environment, farmed fish products and consumers.”
In 2008, the provincial government conducted a marine infrastructure study which identified Hermitage-Sandyville and Pool’s Cove as areas that were well suited as locations for biosecure wharves. In 2009, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture awarded tenders for the construction of wharves in these towns.
