To the Federal Government, wild salmon protection must go hand in hand with Canadian aquaculture development.

New measures to better manage aquaculture and protect wild salmon

CANADA
Wednesday, December 12, 2018, 00:30 (GMT + 9)

The Government of Canada intends to progress in the implementation of a suite of initiatives that will ensure that the salmon aquaculture sector is economically successful and environmentally sustainable. 

One of these initiatives is the performance of a study, in partnership with Sustainable Development Technology Canada and the Province of British Columbia, on the alternative technology for aquaculture, including land and sea-based closed containment technology, informed Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).

Sustainable blue proprietary aquaculture systems and processes replicate the best possible conditions of the ocean ecosystem without any of the negative environmental impact and risks typically associated with conventional ocean-based fish farming operations.

The DFO is convinced that this measure will enable them to determine gaps that limit commercial readiness and help to inform future technology development efforts.

In addition, there will be a move towards an area-based approach to aquaculture management to ensure that environmental, social and economic factors are taken into consideration when identifying potential areas for aquaculture development – including considerations relating to migration pathways for wild salmon.

Protection campaign by the Canadian Government for wild salmon, especifically for Atlantic and Pacific species

Another initiative has to do with the development of a framework for aquaculture risk management, based on the precautionary approach, which will ensure the sustainable management of aquaculture, and will be the overarching framework for future policies.

The DFO seeks to create a single comprehensive set of regulations, the General Aquaculture Regulations, which will bring more clarity for industry, stakeholders and the Canadian public about how aquaculture is managed for responsible growth in Canada.

Governors committed to the sustainability of the aquaculture and protection of the wild samon

The Department stresses that these measures will change the way aquaculture is done in Canada – by establishing a more holistic approach to the management of aquaculture, creating more jobs and protecting the environment.

Canadian salmon species ►

These initiatives follow last week’s meeting of the Canadian Council for Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (CCFAM) in St. John’s, Newfoundland, where Ministers agreed to the development of a federal Aquaculture Act that will enhance sector transparency, facilitate the adoption of best practices and provide greater consistency and certainty for industry.

The Government of Canada will continue to work closely with provincial and territorial governments on aquaculture management as it helps seek to grow the sector in an environmentally sustainable manner across the country.

Related article:

- Over USD 13 million destined to boost Newfoundland and Labrador seafood sector

 
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