February 18, 2014
Canada invests US$49 million in sustainable aquaculture programme
Over the next five years, the government of Canada will invest CAD54 million (US$49 million) in the country''s sustainable aquaculture programme, which focuses on scientific research and regulatory enhancements.
The details of the said investment were provided by the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, along with James Lunney, MP for Nanaimo Alberni.
With its Sustainable Aquaculture Programme, the Government of Canada is creating the conditions, with science as the foundation that will enable the Canadian aquaculture industry to be successful while operating in an ecologically sustainable manner. Under the renewed programme, up to CAD27 million (US$24.6 million) is being directed to further our scientific knowledge through research, operational analyses, risk assessment and scientific peer-reviewed advice. The two other pillars of this programme are regulatory reform and improved reporting.
Aquaculture supplies approximately 50% of the fish and seafood consumed worldwide, and demand is steadily increasing. It is the world''s fastest growing food production system. The Canadian aquaculture industry generates 174,000 tonnes of product and CAD2 billion (US$1.8 billion) annually in total economic activity. In 2012, aquaculture accounted for 16% of Canada''s total seafood production.
The sector supports over 14,000 jobs in rural areas, and increasingly more in Aboriginal communities. There are approximately 50 First Nations communities that are engaged in aquaculture or related industries. Canada is recognised internationally as one of the best places in the world for sustainable aquaculture. It benefits from the world''s longest coastline and freshwater system, optimal growing conditions for key commercial aquaculture species and proximity to major markets.