Significant Progress
Way Forward Commitment:
In 2015, the aquaculture industry produced 22,815 metric tonnes (MT) valued at over $161 million and employed over 400 people. In 2016 there were 137 aquaculture-related licenses issued and active in the Newfoundland and Labrador licensing system; however, there were over 50 applications that were in the system for over four years (“stale” applications). These stale licenses were limiting areas for development for both existing and new entrants to the industry. Our government has committed to help the mussel sector grow to 10,750 metric tonnes and our salmonid sector to 50,000 metric tonnes in annual output. Achieving this goal will result in an increase in direct and indirect jobs across the province by 1,100 person-years. In 2017-2018, our Government has taken measures to keep applications active and free up water area for aquaculture development. In addition, our Government is establishing rigorous criteria that companies must meet in order to maintain site applications and licenses in the Newfoundland and Labrador aquaculture licensing system.
In 2018-19, we will provide funding for technology innovation, research and infrastructure to support mussel and salmonid sector growth. We will work with our counterparts to identify an allocation under the Atlantic Fisheries Fund for this purpose.
Further, in 2018-19 our government will shift from an annual to a multi-year aquaculture licensing process. This shift will offer our aquaculture industry the benefit of longer-term focus, greater predictability and more time to devote to business growth, market development, job creation and safe product supply by reducing administrative burden. These actions will advance The Way Forward on Aquaculture.
What We’ve Accomplished:
- To date, 21 stale aquaculture applications (462 Ha) have been cancelled freeing up water area available for new aquaculture development. A policy and procedure review to establish rigorous criteria for site applications is underway.
- The Department of Fisheries and Land Resources (FLR) requested production plans for all inactive salmonid sites, including intentions for these sites for the next three years, how the sites fit into the rotation cycle, full details of contingency plans, and demonstration of the companies commitments to expand operations. The production plans are under review.
- A review of the Site Utilization Policy was completed. The review investigated options to incorporate a more rigorous “use it or lose it” model for licensed aquaculture sites. Based upon of the results of the stale licenses policy a new policy was developed and communicated to stakeholders. FLR met with salmonid companies in December 2017 and notified the companies of requirements to maintain licenses.
- FLR reviewed its “site hold policy” in line with its focus on “use it or lose it” policies; and as a result, FLR has cancelled its site hold policy. As such, “site holds” will not hinder access for future interests.
- On September 14, 2018, the Provincial Government announced support of a $250 million Grieg NL aquaculture project with repayable financial assistance, following the project’s release from a comprehensive environmental assessment process. Some 15 conditions have been put in place to ensure the project proceeds in an environmentally-sustainable manner. This project is expected to help the province reach its growth target for aquaculture production to 50,000 metric tonnes, and generate more than 800 new jobs.
- On September 26, the Provincial Government announced, through the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA), an investment of just over $588,000 to develop labour market information tools and products for the province’s aquaculture industry. The initiative builds on over $396,000 provided to NAIA to support the development of an Aquaculture Recruitment and Retention Strategy. Both actions were identified in the Aquaculture Sector Work Plan, a partnership between government and industry, through the Cabinet Committee on Jobs, to accelerate growth in aquaculture in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- On December 5, 2018, the Provincial Government, in partnership with the Government of Canada, funding to support the fish and seafood sectors through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund. Funding included more than $1.5 million for four projects focused on improved technology and increasing aquaculture research to improve sustainability.
- The funding – a total contribution of more than $18 million—will see investments and innovation in harvesting and handling technologies, seafood processing automation and modernization, and sustainable aquaculture production. The funding will also support fisheries research to increase our understanding of the impact of climate change on the productivity of our fisheries. More specifically we are making investments in:
- Harvesting Sector – More than $3.7 million for 54 projects throughout the province, targeting all three cod stocks in Newfoundland and Labrador that support commercial and stewardship fisheries. Projects are focused on improving quality of landings through adoption of harvesting and on-board handling technologies for inshore groundfish fisheries.
- Processing Sector – Over $4.6 million for five projects throughout the province. Projects focus on cutting-edge technology, automation, and improving quality and productivity in the processing sector.
- Aquaculture Sector – More than $1.5 million for four projects focused on improved technology and increasing aquaculture research to improve sustainability.
- Science Partnerships – Over $4.3 million for a five-year scientific research project focused on filling key knowledge gaps to improve stock assessments, contribute to fisheries certification, and inform strategies for managing the impacts of climate and productivity changes.
- Innovation/Research and Development – $4.5 million for a multi-year applied research and development project focused on driving innovation in the seafood sector by linking the demands of industry to the capacities of universities.
News Releases
Industry and Government Partnering to Realize the Potential of Sustainable Aquaculture Growth
Minister Mitchelmore Announces Investment to Support Aquaculture Growth
New Aquaculture Project to Create Hundreds of Jobs on the Burin Peninsula
Minister Byrne Proclaims Aquaculture Week in Newfoundland and Labrador
Provincial Government and Aquaculture Industry Take Action to Support Sustainable Aquaculture Growth