NAIA confirms support for NSGA

The membership consists of six (6) companies, all of which are located in the Bay D’Espoir area, and are active participants of the Association. The NSGA works with various Government departments to protect the rights of its membership, and has a strong voice in the implementation of various regulatory policies and procedures relating to salmonid aquaculture. It recognizes the importance of scientific research in aquaculture technology, and continues to conduct research and development projects to further the industry.

The Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) became directly involved with the NSGA in 1997. It has, for several years, provided core funding for a salmonid coordinating position, to work with and on behalf of the NSGA. NAIA fully understands and supports the needs of the NSGA, and recently confirmed its commitment to support the Bay D’Espoir salmonid aquaculture industry, and to have the Salmonid Species Coordinator position remain in the Bay D’Espoir region.

The Salmonid Species Coordinator’s primary goal is the administration of the NSGA, and the representation its members. This will involve ensuring the NSGA office, located in St. Alban’s, operates efficiently and productively.

As in the past, the coordinator will deal with various government departments, both provincially and federally. It is crucial that the salmonid industry in Bay D’Espoir has a strong voice in the implementation of policy for which it is directly affected. Ensuring that farmers recognize the importance of the Code of Containment, and are aware of its regulatory specification is of great concern to DFA and DFO. Currently, the NSGA is working with the DFA and DFO on issues of inventory control. Government would like to see more accountability in discrepancies of numbers of fish. The coordinator will work with government and industry to develop better inventory practices, either through improvements to the existing system, or in finding a better inventorying system to meet the needs of all concerned.

During the past year, the salmonid industry throughout Atlantic Canada has suffered tremendous losses as a result of Chilean dumping of salmon on the U.S. market. The selling price of steelhead trout in the U.S in Nov. 2000 was $2.54/ lb Can. (HOG), and in Nov. 2001 the price dropped to $1.70//lb Can. (HOG). Efforts by the NSGA, the New Brunswick Salmon Growers Association, and the Nova Scotia Salmon Growers Association were made to lobby government to intervene in the crisis. Efforts were also directed towards the Atlantic

Another major requirement of the Coordinator will be to continue to identify projects that will enhance the viability of salmonid aquaculture in the Bay D’Espoir region. Projects ongoing at the NSGA are jointly funded by the Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (ACRPD), and the NSGA. ACRDP is a DFO initiative to increase the level of collaborative research and development activity between the aquaculture industry and its department. Currently, the NSGA has two projects funded under ACRDP.

Furunculosis Vaccine Efficacy

Phase 1 of characterizing the bacterium causing Furunculosis in Bay D’Espoir salmonids is complete. Phase 2, will involve laboratory trials to test and select the most effective vaccine based on results from Phase 1, and is subject to ACRPD approval.

Optimum Cage Depth – Overwintering

The project goal was to conduct an evaluation of the optimum cage depth for overwintering of salmon and steelheads in Bay D’Espoir. Currently all data collection at the Matchem’s site has been completed. A final report detailing project results is being written by DFO scientists.

New project development is also a major concern, and the Coordinator will work with DFO to establish projects that meet the goals of the NSGA and the ACRPD program. Some projects being proposed include: Alternate Strains of Steelhead – introducing a new strain of steelhead into the Bay D’Espoir; an Early Maturation Project– to identify and deal with problems of early maturation in steelheads; and Stress in Salmonids.

The NSGA and NAIA have worked diligently to foster aquaculture development in the Bay D’Espoir region. There have been many changes in the industry over the past few years, and more changes will come. It has overcome many hurdles, and has come out stronger. With the recent interest and investment from foreign investors, the industry is poised on expansion. It is highly important that industry, through the NSGA, continue to have a strong voice. This is possible through the continued support of industry associations such as NAIA.