Salmon stats go public

Odd Grydeland

Following in the footsteps of regulators and the industry in British Columbia, the Newfoundland and Labrador government has decided to make key provincial aquaculture statistics available. These include production volumes, employment numbers and inspection information. The announcement was made by the Fisheries and Aquaculture Executive Council on July 15, for the purpose of achieving greater transparency of the industry.

The announcement included statements by two government ministers, as well as one from the aquaculture industry’s provincial organization;

“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 The Honourable 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,” added The Honourable 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,” explained Miranda Pryor, Executive Director, Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association

QUICK FACTS 

1. Provincial aquaculture generated a record setting production value of $197 million (~€136 million) in 2013, and currently supports approximately 1,000 jobs.

2. The Provincial Government has invested approximately $30 million (~€21 million) since 2006 to support the growth of capital investment in aquaculture, which has leveraged more than $400 million (~€275 million) in private sector investment.

3. Since 2006, the number of finfish sites has doubled, mussel production has reached a record high, and operators have achieved multiple sustainability certifications that verify their adherence to best practices.