September 9, 2014 - Nanaimo, British Columbia
Earlier today, the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip, along with James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Alberni, held a roundtable on the proposed Aquaculture Activity Regulations with key stakeholders on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.
As announced by Minister Shea on August 22, 2014, the Government of Canada has pre-published the proposed Aquaculture Activities Regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part I, to begin a 60-day public consultation. These proposed Regulations aim at increasing sustainable aquaculture production in Canada while protecting the environment. These Regulationswill increase the transparency and accountability of the industry.
The proposed Aquaculture Activities Regulations’ objective is to increase oversight and ensure there are clear and consistent rules for aquaculture operators from coast to coast. The proposed Regulations add to the existing rules by imposing three new conditions. Firstly, operators would have to provide written reports of alternatives to pesticide and drug use that were considered before using any of these regulated products. Secondly, operators would have to have mitigation measures in place to minimize potential negative impacts on wild fish species and their habitat. Thirdly, operators would have to report these activities to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans on a yearly basis. The Department will then make the overall data publicly available annually.
The Government of Canada is committed to continue improving Canada’s already strong regulatory system – one of the most rigorous in the world – to ensure that the aquaculture industry is safe, healthy and ensures the sustainable use of marine resources.
“Our Government is committed to creating conditions that will enable the aquaculture industry to be successful and to ensure that development takes place in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner. Aquaculture accounts for nearly 50 per cent of seafood consumed worldwide. With its tremendous set of natural advantages for aquaculture production, Canada has to position itself to tap into global demand, especially in the context of the expected signature of trade agreements with the European Union and the Republic of Korea.”
The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip
“These proposed Regulations are important, but they are just one part of a set of regulatory initiatives to help ensure that we have an aquaculture industry that can thrive and that meets the highest sustainability requirements. We are proud to take further steps to enable the aquaculture industry to thrive and create much needed jobs in rural, coastal and Aboriginal communities, while remaining sustainable and environmentally sound.”
James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Alberni
Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
NR-PR-14-17e
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