The Fisheries and Aquaculture Branch of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture delivers a comprehensive extension services program that includes the provision of environmental monitoring of sites, fish health services, and the development of human and technological resources.
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Branch provides the following support services to the Newfoundland and Labrador aquaculture industry:
- Multi-Species Research and Development Fund
- Extension Services
- Aquatic Animal Health Services
- Aquaculture Capital Equity Program
- Aquaculture Working Capital Loan Guarantee Program
- Industry Development
- Atlantic Fisheries Fund
Multi-Species Research and Development Fund
On September 6, 2023, the Provincial Government launched a new program to diversify and expand Newfoundland and Labrador’s aquaculture industry. The Multi-Species Research and Development Fund will support investment in the research and development of aquaculture species that are not currently commercialized in the province.
Successful program applicants will access non-repayable funding to assist in research and development for specific aquaculture projects and to incentivize farming of cultured plants and new species. Additionally, from environmental and biological perspectives, focus will also be placed on determining whether general areas or specific sites are suitable for cultivation of species.
The program will also take a concentrated approach on the transfer of knowledge and technology, in order to aid in introducing and establishing diverse species in the provincial aquaculture sector. Businesses, organizations or individuals can find more information on the Multi-Species Research and Development Fund at the links below:
Extension Services
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Branch provides the following extension services to the aquaculture industry:
- Environmental Biological Monitoring Program (shellfish & finfish)
- Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring
- Site monitoring and site prospecting
- Biological support
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Branch has two aquaculturists on staff to deliver these services:
Salmonid Aquaculturist
Tel: (709) 538-3718
Shellfish Aquaculturist
Tel: (709) 292-4118
Aquatic Animal Health Services
The Aquatic Animal Health Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture services both finfish and shellfish species all over the province.
Areas of responsibility include:
- Active and passive surveillance
- Biosecurity audits
- Diagnostic and laboratory sampling
- Emergency services
- Management planning
Staff dedicated to aquatic animal health include:
- Aquaculture veterinarians
- Veterinary laboratory technicians
- Field technicians
Aquatic animal health laboratory facilities are located in St. John’s, Grand Falls-Windsor, and St. Alban’s.
Contact Information
St. John’s
Tel: (709) 729-0387
Fax: (709) 729-1882
St. Alban’s
Tel: (709) 538-3740
Fax: (709) 538-3697
Industry Development
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Branch of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture provides support to assist in the development of the aquaculture industry:
- License process assistance
- Industry point of contact
- Business planning and technological support
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Branch has two aquaculture development officers dedicated to industry support:
South Region
Tel: (709) 538-3705
Western/Labrador Region
Tel: (709) 637-2960
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