Tuesday, April 1, 2014

01/04/14: Aquaculture Act to Provide 20,000 Possible Jobs

English: British Columbia within Canada. Españ...
English: British Columbia within Canada. Español: Provincia de Columbia Británica. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Within the last 20 years, the aquaculture industry has grown exponentially within Canada - increasing fourfold in industrial and economic capacity. Aquaculture in 2010 represented 34% of Canada's total marine value. Salmon farming in British Columbia contributes $800 million per year to the provincial economy, with the massive potential for further growth and expansion. It is estimated that the salmon industry might raise in value to $1.4 billion in 2020; further increasing to $3.5 billion in 2035.

It will be necessary to implement proper aquaculture acts and legislation in order to facilitate this growth within the industry. BCSF's Executive Director Jeremy Dunn states that it would be possible for the industry to further employ 8000 more people by 2020, increasing to 20,000 in 2035. The major determination for this future growth relies on the ability to secure legislation that works with ocean farmers and cements guidelines which allows investors as well as farmers to develop long term goals.

By implementing the proper legislation, we set the stage for future growth and acknowledge the aquaculture industries legitimacy. Developing the framework that will define what aquaculture actually is under federal law. Hopefully in the future this will give aquaculture farmers the opportunity to maintain public interest, while having the freedom to expand and grow the sector for years to come.

Sources:
Campbell River Courier Islander
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
 The Aquaculturists
This blog is maintained by The Aquaculturists staff and is supported by the magazine International Aquafeed which is published by Perendale Publishers Ltd.

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