Virtually together
NAIA’S virtual 2020 Aquaculture Achievement Awards celebrate industry successes, leaders
We’ll all look back on this in 30 years and reminisce about how we were at the start of something special. Jason Card NAIA President
There are so many things for the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) to celebrate, and they took centre-screen on May 19 as the Association celebrated its 2020 Aquaculture Achievement Awards.
The event, which celebrates innovators and leaders in Newfoundland and Labrador’s booming aquaculture industry, was held online this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The virtual ceremony was hosted by NAIA Executive Director Mark Lane, who presented awards alongside Scott Reid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Forestry
and Agriculture, and provincial Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Elvis Loveless.
This annual awards event celebrates NAIA members and their achievements throughout the year, as well as how the aquaculture industry is helping to shape the province’s economic future.
As NAIA President Jason Card announced during the ceremony, “our province has the drive to be a world leader in this industry and to strengthen Canada’s position as a seafood leader.”
‘A TEAM EFFORT’
Among the award recipients this year were two winners of NAIA’S Stewardship and Sustainability Award, which is given to organizations that have contributed significantly to the aquaculture sector.
Both the Miawpukek First Nation and the Newfoundland Aqua Service (NAS) said they were honoured to
win the award for their collaboration this year.
“Miawpukek is proud to play a role in developing a visible and sustainable industry in aquaculture with NAS,” said Miawpukek Chief Mi’sel Joe. “Miawpukek has always had good environmental stewardship and sustainable development as its priority.”
NAS CEO Boyd Pack adds that they have worked with Miawpukek since 1994, and most recently partnered with the First Nation to provide “in-situ” net-cleaning services using underwater remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVS).
“Our partnership with Miawpukek First Nation has always and will always prioritize good environmental stewardship and sustainable development,” said Pack.
The Aquaculture Supplier of the Year Award was also given to two recipients, 360 Marine Ltd, accepted by President Fabian Manning, and the Memorial University of Newfoundland, accepted by Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Danny Boyce, who is the Facility and Business Manager at the Department of Ocean Sciences’ Dr. Joe Brown Aquatic Research Building.
“Ultimately it’s a team effort that allowed for such a great accomplishment,” said Manning. “It’s of the upmost importance to provide these key services to the aquaculture industry here in our province — it will allow this industry to reach new heights.”
There were four winners selected for NAIA’S Distinguished Early Career Award, which recognizes the outstanding achievements of individuals in the industry’s up-andcoming generation. Among this year’s winners is Northern Harvest Smolt (now MOWI)’S Natasha Baker.
“I am honoured to be recognized for this award,” said Baker. “It shows that the hard work and dedication of young employees does not go unnoticed.”
‘THE START OF SOMETHING SPECIAL’
The award’s other recipients include Grieg Seafood Newfoundland
Managers Chris Malanka and Laura Dwyer, as well as Cold Ocean Salmon’s Technical Supervisor Janice Duggan-molloy, who hopes such recognition helps open doors for younger generations in aquaculture.
“The aquaculture industry has many opportunities and career options,” she said. “If you are thinking about a career in aquaculture, reach out and ask questions. You may be surprised about what it entails and what careers are available.”
The Community Service Award was handed out to Hermitagesandyville’s Mayor Steve Crewe, and the Excellence in Innovation Award to Deep Trekker, recognizing the company’s work developing submersible ROVS.
Job Halfyard received NAIA’S 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his lengthy work in aquaculture. Halfyard’s other industry achievements include helping to found NAIA, co-founding Sunrise Fish Farms and establishing Connaigre Fish Farms near Hermitage.
The industry pioneer said his greatest accomplishment has been to “see the growth of the industry over the years from initial research and testing of sites to development of the industry to commercial viability.”
The awards were a sign of the promising future ahead for aquaculture in the province. The industry’s importance was best summed up by Card in his closing comments at the virtual gala.
“We’ll all look back on this in 30 years and reminisce about how we were at the start of something special, and how we contributed to a major development in the history of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada,” he said.