BC Salmon Farmers Welcome New Aquaculture Regulations
BC Salmon Farmers Association, June 26, 2014
CAMPBELL RIVER, BC – Minister Gail Shea of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans announced new national Aquaculture Activities Regulations today that she says will modernize and streamline the regulatory environment for Aquaculture in Canada.
“Salmon farmers in British Columbia have been asking for a modernized regulation of our farming practices for a number of years and are happy to see the Minister’s announcement today,” said Jeremy Dunn, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association. “We expect the new regulation will formalize our current farming methods, encourage positive environmental practices, reduce red tape, and bring all government departments and agencies onto the same page. We look forward to the next steps ahead in formalizing the new regulation.”
There are currently 120 licensed salmon farms in BC, with about 60% active at any one time, producing an annual harvest of 70,000 metric tons. Salmon raised in BC waters is the province’s largest agricultural export and accounts for $800-Million towards the British Columbia economy. Salmon aquaculture is a diversified industry, which results in 6,000 jobs (direct, indirect and induced) in coastal communities, over 20% of which are held by First Nations peoples.
BC salmon farmers have well established markets for products in the United States and Asia and are working to meet a growing demand. Farmed seafood accounts for 50% of current global consumption and the United Nations estimates that aquaculture will supply close to 75% of all seafood by 2030.
The BCSFA represents salmon farm companies and those who supply services and supplies to the industry. Our members have operations in communities including Campbell River, Tofino, Port Hardy, Klemtu, Powell River, and Port McNeill.
New Aquaculture Regulations Will help Foster a Responsible & Sustainable Industry
Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance, June 26, 2014
OTTAWA, June 26, 2014 /CNW/ - The proposed new federal Aquaculture Activities Regulations, announced today, will strengthen environmental protection and facilitate a growing, responsible, and sustainable seafood farming industry said Ruth Salmon, Executive Director of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance.
"Canada has a unique opportunity to be a world leader in responsible seafood farming," said Ruth Salmon. "These proposed regulations are a necessary step toward a healthy, vibrant and sustainable aquaculture future. We look forward to the next steps ahead and finalizing the new regulation as we believe it is important to reduce duplication and strengthen the solid regulatory framework already established in Canada."
According to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization, aquaculture will account for two-thirds of the global seafood consumption by 2030. Demand for aquaculture raised fish will dramatically increase and, in the process, will become a vital source of jobs, nutritious food and economic opportunities in the future.
Few jurisdictions can match Canada's natural advantages when it comes to aquaculture — an enormous coastal geography, an abundance of cold, clean water, a favourable climate, a rich marine and fishery tradition, established trade routes to the United States, Asia and Europe, and a commitment to sustainable and responsible best practices.
Canada already produces some of the world's finest farmed salmon, trout, oysters, scallops, and mussels and enjoys the rural opportunities provided by the more than 14,000 high value full time, year round jobs provided by the sector.
SOURCE Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance
Harper Government Takes Further Steps to Enable the Aquaculture Industry to Thrive
Regulatory Changes to Reduce Duplication While Maintaining Strong Environmental Standards
June 26, 2014 - Ottawa, Ontario
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Government of Canada will take extra steps to increase sustainable aquaculture production in Canada while protecting the environment.
Despite Canada benefitting from the longest coastline in the world, it continues to lag behind other countries. Red tape and regulatory burden are among the main causes for this situation. This sector is currently being regulated by ten different federal acts.
A modernized regulatory environment will allow Canada to take advantage of the global demand for fish and seafood products that continues to rise. It will improve coherence, simplicity and accountability while maintaining strong environmental standards.
Earlier this year the Government has announced a $54 million investment for the renewal of the Sustainable Aquaculture Program, which includes an aquaculture regulatory reform agenda. Today’s announcement clarifies the role of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans on the deposit of substances in water for the purposes of aquaculture.
As the next step of this process, new proposed Aquaculture Activities Regulations will be pre-published in early July, 2014 in the Canada Gazette, Part I, for a 60-day public comment period.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada has been working with its regulatory partners to develop the proposed Regulations to ensure they build on existing provincial and federal regulatory regimes. When finalized, the proposed Regulations would resolve uncertainties in the application of various federal Acts, eliminate overlap and duplication issues and reflect the unique circumstances of aquaculture.
Quick Facts
The aquaculture industry in Canada now creates over 14,000 full-time equivalent, year-round, stable jobs in rural, coastal, and Aboriginal communities.
With its tremendous set of natural advantages for aquaculture production, Canada has to better position itself to tap into global demand, especially in the context of the expected signature of trade agreements with the European Union and South Korea.
Aquaculture accounts for nearly 50 per cent of seafood consumed worldwide. By 2030, it is estimated that demand will exceed supply by 40 million tonnes.
The next steps in the aquaculture regulatory reform agenda will include a number of regulatory initiatives such as amendments to the Pacific Aquaculture Regulations. These will establish a licence fee schedule and provide for annual payment installments for multi-year aquaculture licences.
Quote
“Our Government is committed to job creation, economic growth and long term prosperity. Canada benefits from the longest coastline in the world and a growing aquaculture sector can provide jobs to rural, coastal and Aboriginal communities. Today we are taking further steps to enable the aquaculture industry to thrive and create much needed jobs, while being sustainable and environmentally sound.”
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
Related Products
Backgrounder - Proposed Aquaculture Activities Regulations
