Canada has potential to double production: report
FIRST Nations communities stand to gain from aquacul- ture development in Canada, according to a federal government report published in September.
More than 40 First Nation and indigenous communities are now directly or indirectly involved in farming seafood in Canada, SeaWestNews reported.
Aquaculture was highlighted in the government’s Agri-food Report – from Canada’s Economic Strategy Tables - as one of the four priorities requiring immediate action, with the potential for the sector to nearly double production from 200,565 tonnes in 2016 to 381,900 tonnes in 2028 to meet rising demand.
The Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) said the report found stifled growth and lost opportunity for the aquaculture sector as a result of a complex regulatory framework. And it called for an economic growth approach for the sector via a new federal Aquaculture Act.
Timothy Kennedy, CAIA executive director, said: ‘CAIA is very pleased with the report’s provisions for the aquaculture sector. It’s clear that the voice of Canadian seafood farmers was heard during the consultations.
‘The recommendations, when implemented, will enable our sector to meet its economic potential.
‘Canada can regain lost competitive ground and become a true global sustainable aquaculture leader.
‘With a supportive policy and regulatory environment, our industry is ready to seize the opportunity, creating new middle class jobs and growing our economy, much of that activity in coastal communities and with indigenous partnership and engagement.’
He added: ‘We encourage decision makers to enact the recommendations of this report as quickly as possible to ensure Canada can achieve its full potential as a leading competitor in global seafood production.’