The Department of Fisheries and Land Resources continues to support economic development, growth and sustainability of the province’s fisheries, forestry, agriculture, wildlife and lands resources. In 2019, the department also opened its new headquarters in Corner Brook, uniting more than 250 staff representing 17 of the department’s divisions under one roof, resulting in more effective and efficient operations, and reducing the Provincial Government’s overall footprint by more than 30,000 square feet.

Other highlights of 2019 include:

Agriculture

• Increased food self-sufficiency from 10 to 13 per cent and preparation of 456 acres or 184.67 hectares – approximately 351 football fields – of new land for fruit and vegetable production, with an estimated potential to yield 8.2 million pounds of food for residents.
• Continued funding under the federal-provincial-territorial Canadian Agricultural Partnership for projects focusing on new entrants, secondary processing, food self-sufficiency, climate change, and risk mitigation for the agriculture industry.
  • Since April 1, 2019, the partnership has committed $6.8 million to 100 projects, including 39 approved to assist 30 new entrants – people who intend to establish a new farm in the province, or have operated an existing agri-business for less than six years.
  • Projects include an innovative temperature, air and lighting control system for a dairy farm to increase comfort for animals and save energy; a cheese production system for specialty goat cheese; and a trellis and irrigation system to facilitate locally produced hops and promote crop diversification.

• Initiatives supporting agricultural development and food self-sufficiency in 2019 including:
  • Vegetable Transplant Program : provides eligible farmers with high-quality vegetable transplants to increase the variety of produce grown in Newfoundland and Labrador, and promote higher marketable yields, early harvest, and earlier returns.
  • Regional Pastures Program : provides funding for regional pasture organizations to support and enhance development of otherwise marginal land and put it to good use as forage for livestock.
  • Community Garden Program : provides funding for community groups and municipalities to develop community gardens to increase food self-sufficiency, access to fresh foods, and consumption of fruits and vegetables.
  • Provincial Limestone Program: provides subsidized limestone for eligible food producers to improve soil quality and reduce the use of fertilizers.

Aquaculture

• Modernized aquaculture policies and procedures – including updated policies focusing on a strong, public reporting policy to enhance industry accountability and public trust, environmental stewardship, and best practices that adhere to, or exceed, industry standards. These changes will help to ensure open, transparent, accountable and biosecure environmental stewardship, with established, clear processes and expectations that support social license and sustainability.

Crown Land

• Crown Lands service continues to improve with features that include:
• A step-by-step process to complete an application online with assistance available through the Inquiries Line, dedicated email, group information sessions, or one-on-one assistance by in-person office appointment, Skype or telephone;
• A new online payment option allowing for greater security and protection of personal and financial information, and providing enhanced self-service options in the application process; and
• A 1-800 line upgraded to an Automatic Call Distribution System to support increased telephone calls.

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement

The public continues to provide relevant and useful tips of suspected illegal activity in support of investigative efforts that can lead to charges and convictions.

• Fielded more than 300 calls on the 24/7 toll-free “report poaching line” (1-877-820-0999) to anonymously report suspected illegal activity.
• Engaged in community outreach through group presentations, school visits, Law Enforcement Torch Run, festivals and other public events.
• Hosted five on-the-job training cadets from the Atlantic Police Academy in Summerside, PEI, providing valuable and practical work opportunities to students pursuing careers in Fish and Wildlife Enforcement.

Fisheries

• The $400-million Atlantic Fisheries Fund provided more than $8 million for 59 initiatives to improve quality and productivity in the fish and seafood industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Projects for 2019 included:
• Oyster equipment transfer to facilitate the first commercial production of oysters in the province;
• Ice slurry system that improves the quality of landed fish;
• Research on using lumpfish and other species to mitigate sea lice problems on salmon farms;
• Improving mussel seed quality and ensuring more efficient production of mussels on farms;
• Experimental scallop and whelk fishery analysis to support development of near-shore fishery in Northern Labrador; and
• Eel processing equipment to develop new products for Asian markets.

Forestry

• Launched the Forestry Sector Workplan , which outlines opportunities related to sustainable forest management; research, innovation and diversification; business development and risk management; public awareness; and human resources, skills and labour. Collaborative actions outlined in the plan are fostering diversification and increasing efficiency in the forest sector, leading to the creation of new business activities, and support for ongoing work and growth in private sector job opportunities for residents throughout the province.

Wildlife

• Re-introduced 15 caribou from the St. Anthony herd to the Grey Islands to re-establish a resident caribou population;
• Fostered more youth participation in hunting by entering youth applicants into the big game draw at a higher priority pool (Pool 5) to increase the likelihood of receiving a licence; and,
• Offered angling as a component of youth hunting workshops to increase interest in salmon angling.

Quote
“As Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources I am committed to fulfilling a mandate that balances the economic development and growth of renewable resources with ecological integrity. 2019 has been a productive and rewarding year for myself and the skilled and dedicated team at Fisheries and Land Resources as we tackled many challenging issues and continued to support the advancement and development of the province’s fishing, aquaculture, forestry, and agriculture industries. I look forward to continued success in the upcoming year.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources

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Learn more
The Way Forward on Agriculture 

The Way Forward on Forestry 

Opportunities for Fish and Seafood

The Way Forward on Aquaculture

Aquaculture Policy and Procedures Manual

Enhance Access to Crown Lands

2019-20 Hunting and Trapping Guide

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL  and @FLR_GovNL

Media contact
Linda Skinner
Fisheries and Land Resources
709-637-2284, 640-8167
lindaskinner@gov.nl.ca