July 19, 2024

 

Canadian aquaculture industry alliance urges government support

The Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) has emphasised the significance of aquaculture as a major food and economic opportunity for Canada, calling for government support for the industry, Fish Farmer reported.

 

In an open letter addressed to Canada's Federal and Provincial Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries, CAIA CEO and president Tim Kennedy warns that "Canada is fast falling behind" and advocates for a new era of aquaculture production.

 

Kennedy challenges politicians and regulators to develop a vision for a thriving aquaculture sector in Canada. The letter outlines six steps for leaders to support Canada's potential for farm-raised seafood.

 

Firstly, the CAIA calls for restored confidence in science evaluation and advice processes. Government decisions must be based on objective, peer-reviewed science evaluation processes that provide advice to policymakers. In the case of salmon farming in British Columbia (BC), Canada, political decisions have conflicted with long-established CSAS (Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat) processes. The letter emphasizes the responsibility of federal and provincial governments to restore confidence in these processes, which are critical to food safety, market access, environmental stewardship, and supporting innovation.

 

Secondly, the CAIA asserts that aquaculture is agriculture and needs appropriate support from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The letter argues that the federal DFO management function for aquaculture is ineffective and suggests it should focus solely on regulation, like the CFIA. This recommendation was made in a 2004 report by the federal Aquaculture Commissioner but has yet to be implemented.

 

Next, the CAIA urges the development of a federal-provincial aquaculture development strategy. The sector has the potential to create thousands of jobs in rural and remote coastal areas, but proper investment signals and supports are needed. The letter calls for a high-level national strategy and public statement supporting aquaculture development, proposing a national production target and actions to attract investment in innovation and new technologies.

 

The CAIA also seeks support for a long-term partnership programme for seafood education and communication. The letter acknowledges the success of the joint CAIA-Fisheries Council "Choose Canadian Seafood" programme under the Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund (CFSOF), which ended on March 31, 2024. The CAIA advocates for stable, long-term education and marketing partnership funding programmes to educate Canadians and integrate the seafood sector into the Canadian agri-food sector.

 

Additionally, the CAIA urges a focus on stakeholders who offer practical and workable solutions. The letter criticizes the influence of extreme voices and positions, citing the BC salmon farming situation as an example. Activist groups have pushed for a "ban on open net pens by 2029," despite scientific evidence not supporting such an approach. The CAIA calls for practical, balanced pathways based on science.

 

Lastly, the CAIA encourages leaders to speak positively about the potential of aquaculture. Investor confidence in Canadian aquaculture has been damaged by recent actions in BC. The letter suggests that leaders regularly promote the positive potential of aquaculture production in Canada, highlighting its current state and prospects.

 

The letter concludes by noting that around 20,000 Canadians rely on the success of the aquaculture sector for their livelihoods.

 

-      Fish Farmer