About the Department

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture supports the growth, development and sustainability of the province’s fishery and aquaculture sectors. The department develops and delivers on programs, policies and legislation in these sectors through its two branches, Fisheries and Aquaculture, and five divisions. Support to the executives is provided by the Policy and Strategic Planning and Communications divisions.

Mandate

The mandate of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture includes development and growth of fisheries and aquaculture, for optimum sustainable economic benefit to the province as well as ensuring its ecological integrity.

Branches and Divisions

Fisheries Branch

  • Licensing, Inspection and Quality Assurance Division: licenses fish processors and fish buyers and inspects licence holders to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and licence terms and conditions.
  • Sustainable Fisheries and Ocean Division: provides strategic advice on the sustainable management of fishery resources, as well as on integrated coastal and oceans management related to regional and national priorities.
  • Seafood Marketing and Development Division: provides market intelligence, supports market development initiatives and administers seafood innovation and development programs.

Aquaculture Branch

  • Aquaculture Development and Administration Division: supports the sustainable growth of the aquaculture industry through the issuance and renewal of aquaculture licenses and compliance.
  • Aquatic Animal Health Division: monitors and maintains the health of aquatic species cultured in the province.

Vision

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture envisions a strong, sustainable and innovative fishery and aquaculture sector, developed in collaboration with stakeholders, that supports employment, enhances value‑added production, expands domestic and international markets and contributes to long‑term economic growth and prosperity in rural Newfoundland and Labrador.

Lines of Business

Aquatic Animal Health: Provides regulatory oversight of the aquaculture industry focused on aquatic animal health, biosecurity and disease through monitoring, surveillance and early detection of aquatic animal diseases, implementation of biosecurity standards, review of aquatic animal health management plans and oversight of diagnostic testing, sampling, and laboratory coordination.

Inspection, Compliance and Enforcement: Conducts comprehensive inspection, compliance and enforcement duties for the fishing and aquaculture industries within its legislative authority. Fisheries Field Representatives conduct inspections at fish buying stations, points of export, processing plants, aquaculture sites, dockside and on-board vessels throughout the province. Additionally, the department is responsible for auditing provincially licensed fish processors and licensed fish buyers to ensure compliance with legislation, regulations, policies and licensing conditions.

Licensing: Responsible for licensing and permitting fish processing, fish buying and aquaculture operations, as well as the development and administration of the policies and regulations that govern these activities. Acting under the Fish Inspection Act, the Department supports the Minister in fish processing licensing decisions. As the provincial lead for aquaculture licensing, it delivers a comprehensive, one‑stop licensing program under the Aquaculture Act, 2023, coordinating internal review and input from relevant provincial, federal and other partners to ensure informed and effective licensing decisions.

Research and Development: Supports the growth and modernization of the fishing and aquaculture industries through the provision of technical and financial support. Innovation within these sectors is fostered through interaction with stakeholders, including fish processors, aquaculture operators, industry-related organizations, other government departments and academia. The department also supports research by industry-related organizations, other government departments, federal partners and academia to enhance understanding of fish stocks, sustainable fish management and the effects of climate change.

Seafood Marketing and Development: Provides marketing support to the province’s fish and aquaculture industries by working collaboratively with industry, stakeholders and the federal government to support market development, market intelligence and promotion. Through targeted programs and services, the Department aims to maximize production opportunities, strengthen market awareness and increase demand for Newfoundland and Labrador seafood products in domestic and international markets.

Sustainable Resource Management: Contributes to the sustainable management of our adjacent fish resources by providing input into federal decision-making processes to support stock viability and secure long-term benefits for the province and its fishing industry. The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture also plays a significant role in the sustainable management of our coastal and ocean resources through strong collaborative relationships with federal partners, other provincial departments, as well as industry stakeholders and academia.