2014
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Dr. Amanda Borchardt, Leah Hoskins, Deirdra Johnson, Angela Laing, Dr. Nicole O’Brien, Melanie Payne, Peter Roche, Jackie Rose, Trevor Rose, Dr. Daryl Whelan
Over the course of a year and a half, the team in the Aquatic Animal Health Division led coordination efforts between industry, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, during the outbreak of Infectious Salmon Anemia in 2012-13. They showed exemplary leadership, service to industry, and collaboration with federal and provincial agencies.
The Aquatic Animal Health Division staff displayed extraordinary service to the industry through dedication to containment, diagnostic services and biosecurity, leadership and coordination with the federal and provincial agencies, going above and beyond normal duty. They demonstrated the ability to collaborate with a broad group of stakeholders to find practical solutions to complex problems under considerable pressure. The team was accessible and reliable with stakeholders and the effort that was put forth was exceptional.
This 10-member team performed their duties in all weather conditions and under very challenging circumstances. These include working with iced up fishing nets at minus 25 degrees at 11:00 p.m. while monitoring mortality removal, or working late at the lab to process samples from affected sites. Their dedication was evident as they worked extensive overtime and gave up summer holidays and time off, in order to effectively deal with this incident.
The response and action of Aquatic Animal Health Division staff assisted in containment of the disease and minimized the likelihood of environmental, financial and employment impacts on other farms. In dealing with this issue, the team demonstrated commitment to accomplishing their duties during disease outbreaks and exceeded the expectations of their colleagues.
The team established procedures that will serve the industry well into the future. As a result of their efforts, the Newfoundland and Labrador aquaculture industry is more sustainable and prepared to respond to future disease issues. In addition, the economic losses were minimized and the industry continues to farm and expand today.
The Aquatic Animal Health Division staff demonstrate outstanding service to the aquaculture industry. They provide an outstanding example of commitment to delivering professional and respectful service to those in need.