Atlantic salmon farmers are welcoming today’s announcement that will see the Government of Nova Scotia and Cooke Aquaculture Inc. bring hundreds of full-time jobs to rural communities, says the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association.
"Today, the Government of Nova Scotia and Cooke Aquaculture are capitalizing on an unprecedented opportunity for rural communities to benefit from and realize the potential of a locally-based, globally competitive, sustainable aquaculture industry,” says Pamela Parker, Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association. "This is absolutely excellent news for Nova Scotia, its coastal communities and for our entire region.”
Parker says this announcement is an important step toward Atlantic Canadians becoming greater benefactors of the growing global need for seafood.
“Global population is expected to increase by two billion in less than 20 years, and it is estimated people will eat 70 per cent more fish. Aquaculture already supplies 50 per cent of the world’s seafood consumed by humans,” says Parker. “Atlantic Canada is one of the best geographic locations in the world to farm fish because of our abundant natural ocean environment that provides optimal conditions for the well-being of farmed fish and the sustainability of the environment. "It is exciting to see Nova Scotia taking steps to take advantage of this opportunity to create jobs at home, generate investment and renew the tax base in rural communities.”
In New Brunswick, salmon farming has created 1,870 jobs in Charlotte County alone, an area once hard hit by unemployment, says Parker. Newfoundland has embraced the aquaculture development opportunity and has seen the value of their industry rise by 50 per cent in one year from $60 million in 2009 to $90 million in 2010.
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) is an industry-funded association working on behalf of the salmon farming industry in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The ACFFA represents salmon producers in addition to a wide range of supporting companies and organizations. Salmon farming employs over 3000 people in our region and generates over $330 million to our provincial economies.
For more information, please contact:
Pamela Parker
Executive Director
Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association
Ph: 506-755-3526
Email: p.parker@atlanticfishfarmers.com
Letter to the Editor - Chronicle Herald
How can the Ecology Action Centre name Cooke Aquaculture the worst environmental violator of the year for not investing in closed containment technology (July 18)? The very fact that EAC considers closed containment systems to be environmentally friendly calls into question this group’s commitment to preserving our environment.
Closed containment systems require huge amounts of electricity. How can the EAC believe burning additional fossil fuels is responsible, at a time when we are looking to reduce our carbon footprint? An ocean net pen requires no electric power; piloted closed systems used a whopping 7,260,205 kWh/cycle. Closed containment systems for salmon require huge amounts of fresh water to flush the fish before marketing. Does the EAC really believe using all this fresh water is a good idea at a time when fresh water is in short supply?
Does the EAC not care about animal welfare issues? We stock our fish at 18 kilos per cubic metre, while pilot scale closed systems stock salmon at 50 to 100, cramping and stressing the fish.
Today’s consumers want their food grown as naturally as possible; growing salmon on land isn’t natural. It’s somewhat baffling why a small faction is asking salmon farmers to move production to an unproven, unnatural and truly feed-lot style farming method.
Our industry has demonstrated we can grow salmon in their natural environment with minimal impact on wild stocks or habitat.
All this brings me to what I am really curious about. Is this “award” by the EAC really about the environment at all? Or has the Ecology Action Centre simply joined a well-funded international activist movement aimed at generating media attention based on half-truths and outdated information?
I certainly hope not.
Pamela Parker
Executive Director
ACFFA
FREE SALMON FARM TOURS TO CELEBRATE 2012 OPEN FARM DAY
Letang, N.B. – Atlantic salmon farmers will again offer free farm tours to help celebrate New Brunswick Open Farm Day 2012.
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association, on behalf of local salmon farmers, will host two complimentary tours on Sunday, September 16, 2012 to give the public an opportunity to see how salmon are farmed.
"Not all farming takes place on land. Few people realize that farmed salmon is New Brunswick's biggest agriculture-based export,” says Pamela Parker, Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA). “New Brunswick's salmon farming industry is always evolving and has changed significantly in the 30 years since it began. These tours are really popular and a great way to learn about our innovative industry.”
ACFFA representatives will be onboard to provide an overview of the salmon aquaculture industry and to answer any questions about the sector. Participants will also get the chance to sample some delicious Atlantic salmon, courtesy of True North Salmon.
Boat tours (Island Quest Marine) will leave the main wharf in St. Andrews at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm, weather permitting. Due to boat capacity limitations, please reserve your seat by September 12th by calling (506) 755-3526 or emailing info@atlanticfishfarmers.com.
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) is an industry-funded association that works on behalf of the salmon farming industry in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in addition to a wide range of supporting companies and organizations. Salmon farming employs over 3000 people in our region and has a value of over $330 million to provincial economies.
For more information, please contact:
Pamela Parker
Executive Director
Ph: 506-755-3526
mail: p.parker@atlanticfishfarmers.com
Letter to the Editor - Shelburne County Coast Guard
Letter to the Editor
Shelburne County Coast Guard
Sept. 5, 2012
To the Editor:
I am writing in response to Kathleen Tudor’s letter published on August 28, 2012 concerning the salmon farming interpretative panels that were recently installed on Dock Street in Shelburne.
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) developed these interpretative panels at the request of tourism operators and members of the community. They are deliberately located in areas that are near salmon farms to help answer questions from both tourists and residents. People often ask questions about the farms when they see them in the harbour and tourism operators have asked for help in providing visitors with accurate information about the salmon farming industry.
These panels were approved by authorities in advance. They are not advertisements. They're interpretative panels that inform the public about an important part of the area's working waterfront. Similar interpretative panels exist across the Maritimes to provide information about everything from shipbuilding and forestry to the life cycle of whales and the creation of sand dunes.
Salmon farming is a complex part of our region's food growing sector and many people don’t know much about it. ACFFA represents salmon farmers from across the Maritimes. Educating the public about this important sector is one of our many roles. Most people agree that these beautiful panels do that very well.
Pamela Parker
Executive Director
Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association
Sea lice do not pose human health risk
The decision by Sobeys to pull whole farmed Atlantic salmon from its stores yesterday in the Maritimes has prompted questions about sea lice, if they have any impact on the quality of the product and how our salmon farmers manage sea lice.
Below are important facts:
- Sea lice are naturally occurring in the marine environment and found on a variety of both wild and farmed fish stocks around the world. Their populations vary from area to area.
- Sea lice do not pose a human health risk.
- Farmed salmon enter the net pen lice free; however, because lice travel on wild fish, ocean currents and even in zooplankton they can move freely between both wild and farmed fish.
- Sea lice are found only on the outside of fish and not in the flesh; therefore, they do not affect the quality of the meat.
- Our salmon farmers make every effort to ensure any sea lice are removed from fish during processing; however, sometimes not all can be detected. Sea lice can also be found on wild-caught salmon. Sea lice do not pose a human health risk.
- Avoiding sea lice is a top priority of Atlantic salmon farmers. They have developed a variety of management practices to reduce the likelihood of sea lice on their fish.
The fact of the matter is, Atlantic salmon is one of the most nutritious foods you can eat. One of the world’s best sources of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, Atlantic salmon is high in protein, low in saturated fat and loaded with vitamin D and E. Our region produces 30 per cent of Canada’s farmed salmon, which is sold around the world. Our farmers are proud of the industry they have built over the past 30 years and are committed to continuing to produce high quality and nutritious salmon.
Pamela Parker
Executive Director
Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association
Ph: 506-755-3526
Email: p.parker@atlanticfishfarmers.com
Letter to the Editor - Salmon Wars
Re: “Salmon Wars heads to the Big Apple” (Nov. 7). It’s unfortunate some organizations and individuals opposed to salmon farming perpetuate myths and misinformation about Atlantic Canada’s salmon farming
Fact: Farmed Atlantic salmon do not contain dyes. Carotenoids (a natural ingredient found in carrots and egg yolks) are added to the diet of salmon to provide them with vitamin A, which gives them their pink colour.
Fact: Less than three per cent of the feed given to farmed salmon contains an antibiotic. Medication use is far lower on a salmon farm than in any other agricultural animal-producing industry. Regulated testing ensures salmon are free from any medication when harvested.
Fact: There are no sea lice treatments on Nova Scotia salmon farms. If bath treatments occur in other jurisdictions, they are topical with no residue.
Fact: Wild salmon populations fluctuate whether they are near a farm or not. International studies show that wild Atlantic salmon are impacted by a variety of issues, such as climate change, ocean mortality, acid rain, habitat loss, hydro dams, predators and over-fishing.
Fact: Our farmers follow strict regulations regarding waste management. Regular government-audited sediment testing of the ocean floor is conducted to ensure farms meet high environmental standards.
We welcome public scrutiny about our industry, but let’s base that discussion on facts, not false claims. To do otherwise is a disservice to consumers who rely on factual information to make healthy food choices.
Pamela Parker
Executive Director
Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association
Salmon farmers release 2012 'Year in Review'
St. Andrews, N.B. – The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) has released its annual Year in Review detailing the work done in 2012 to build a world-class, responsible and sustainable aquaculture industry in our region.
"Highlights of the report include details about a ground-breaking lobster survey that shows the number of berried female lobsters more than tripled at locations adjacent to a new salmon farm on Grand Manan that was surveyed annually over a period of ive years. To this point, the data shows that the salmon farms did not have a negative impact on wild lobster populations in this area. Also highlighted in the report is the work by salmon farmers on the award-winning Inner Bay of Fundy Salmon Recovery project that resulted in the biggest salmon returns in over 20 years.
“In addition to celebrating our achievements, we were also pleased to celebrate the growth of salmon farming in Nova Scotia,” said Pamela Parker, Executive Director of the ACFFA. “The unveiling of the new Aquaculture Development Strategy earlier this year is an important step in the development of the province’s sustainable salmon farming sector. Nova Scotia has an unprecedented opportunity to create jobs and economic growth in its coastal communities while helping Canada achieve its potential in delivering a healthy protein to the growing world population.”
Over 120 salmon farmers, industry stakeholders, scientists, researchers, provincial and federal government representatives, and community members attended the ACFFA’s fall conference and research workshop on November 14 and 15 at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in St. Andrews where this report was released. Participants heard from experts on a variety of topics including Canadian Aquaculture Organic Standards, real-time environmental monitoring systems and sea lice management techniques. Participants also identified research priorities for 2013.
The ACFFA’s 2012 Year in Review can be found here.
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) is an industry-funded association working on behalf of the salmon farming industry in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The ACFFA represents salmon producers in addition to a wide range of supporting companies and organizations. Salmon farming employs over 3000 people in our region and generates over $330 million to our provincial economies.
For more information, please contact:
Pamela Parker, Executive Director
Ph: 506-755-3526
Email: p.parker@atlanticfishfarmers.com
Farm Approvals Build on Nova Scotia Aquaculture Strategy
The approval of two new salmon farms for Jordan Bay, Nova Scotia is another solid step in the implementation of Nova Scotia’s Aquaculture Strategy, which will bring full-time jobs and economic prosperity to coastal communities.
Nova Scotia’s salmon farming industry generates about $80 million in economic activity and employs 670 people in direct and supply and service jobs, largely in coastal communities.
Today’s approvals will add 27 jobs and support Cooke Aquaculture’s investment and expansion plans for Nova Scotia. The company has already committed to growing its farming business, expanding its feed mill in Truro, building a hatchery in the Digby area and building a processing plant in the Shelburne area – all of which will create hundreds of additional jobs in coastal and rural Nova Scotia.
The salmon farming sector applauds Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter’s strategic and responsible, science-based approach to developing his province’s sustainable farming sector for the benefit of all
Nova Scotians. We just have to look to New Brunswick and Newfoundland to see the kind of results that strategic planning in aquaculture can bring. Salmon farming has created 1,870 jobs in Charlotte County, NB alone. An area once considered one of the poorest areas of the province is now one of the most dynamic. Newfoundland has seen the value of its industry rise by 50 per cent in one year from $60 million in 2009 to $90 million in 2010.
Our salmon farmers are committed to building a world-class, responsible and sustainable aquaculture industry. They know that aquaculture, the traditional fishery and tourism together can provide a diversified economic base for coastal communities and they are committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to grow this sector as set out in Nova Scotia’s Aquaculture Strategy.
Pamela Parker
Executive Director
Ph: 506-755-3526
Email: p.parker@atlanticfishfarmers.com
ACFFA staffers take up the Five Easy Pieces Challenge
Letang, NB - Staffers at the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) will kick off their 2nd Annual Five Easy Pieces fashion challenge today to raise money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
ACFFA staffers are challenging themselves to pick only five pieces of clothing each to wear to work for the month of April. They’ll collect pledges and hold fundraising activities with their members in the salmon farming industry to raise funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
“We’ve got a small staff, but we’re still hoping we can top the $3,000 we raised last year,” says Pamela Parker, Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association. “Every ACFFA staffer has been touched by heart and stroke in some way as well as the many people who work in our industry. We want to do what we can to support research and to raise awareness about one of Canada’s biggest killers.”
The idea originated from the BC Salmon Farmers Association who created and launched this successful initiative in 2011. Last year, they invited the ACFFA to take up the challenge, help raise funds for Heart and Stroke and spread heart-healthy messages from coast to coast.
“The Heart and Stroke Foundation encourages healthy lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke for men and women. Eating more heart-healthy foods like salmon is a big part of that,” says Parker.
Parker says she and her staff choose their five clothing pieces wisely because they’ll have to make those items work for events ranging from farm tours to business meetings to receptions. Staffers will be able to spice up their chosen outfits with different shoes, scarves and jewelry, but they will stick to their basic five core pieces for the month.
“We’ll be doing a lot of laundry,” she says. “But it’s for a great cause.”
Staffers will post their progress on our Facebook page (Atlantic Fish Farmers Assoc) and tweet about it on Twitter (@AtlFishFarmers).
For more information or if you want to get involved by pledging a donation, please email: info@atlanticfishfarmers.com or call us at (506) 755-3526.
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) is an
industry-funded association working on behalf of the salmon farming industry in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The ACFFA represents salmon producers in addition to a wide range of supporting companies and organizations. Salmon farming employs over 3,000 people in our region and generates over $330 million to our provincial economies.
For more information, please contact:
Pamela Parker
Executive Director
Ph: 506-755-3526
Email: p.parker@atlanticfishfarmers.com
Art for Heart - Requests for Artists
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association is seeking artists to create paintings for our Art for Heart fundraiser held during the 2013 Seafood Forum Gala Chefs’ Dinner on Wednesday, June 12 in St. Andrews NB.
Artists must be able to create a painting in 3-4 hours (minimum size 18X24). Artists will be encouraged to create works of art that reflect the Charlotte County area’s beauty and spirit.
The works of art will be auctioned off to the highest bidder at the end of the evening. The ACFFA recognizes the talent and effort that goes into creating a work of art. We’re asking artists to donate a percentage (TBD) of the selling price to our annual Five Easy Pieces Campaign that raises money for the New Brunswick Heart and Stroke Foundation.
The 2013 Seafood Forum Gala Chefs’ Dinner is an exquisite five-course meal prepared by award-winning chefs and designed to showcase Bay of Fundy seafood. The event is attended by approximately 150 seafood industry leaders, including representatives from aquaculture and fisheries companies, seafood buyers, retailers, marine science researchers as well as media and municipal and provincial government officials.
The artists selected will be profiled in a media release as well as on social media prior to and during the event. Interested artists should contact the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association by May 31, 2013.
Please contact:
Kathy Kaufield
Communications Manager
ACFFA
Kathy.kaufield@gmail.com
(506) 849-3804
Salmon Tours and Art Auction to Celebrate Bay of Fundy Seafood Week
Letang, N.B. – New Brunswick salmon farmers will celebrate Bay of Fundy Seafood Week by offering farm tours and hosting an art auction to raise money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association, on behalf of local salmon farmers, will host two farm tours on Saturday, June 15 to give the public an opportunity to learn about salmon farming. The ACFFA will also host an ‘Art for Heart’ auction on Wednesday, June 12 at The Gala Chef’s Dinner. Guests at the dinner will get the opportunity to watch local artists create paintings and then bid on the finished pieces. Proceeds from the tours and the auction will be donated to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
“The Heart and Stroke Foundation is near and dear to our hearts. Our staff and members raise money for this organization with our Five Easy Pieces campaign,” says Pamela Parker, Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association. “Since many of the events slated for Bay of Fundy Seafood Week are focused on the health benefits of seafood, we thought this was a terrific opportunity to educate people about the health benefits of salmon and raise money for a good cause too. Atlantic salmon is one of the most nutritious foods you can eat. It’s one of the world’s best sources of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. It’s also high in protein, low in saturated fat and loaded with vitamin D and E.”
The salmon farm tours, on Island Quest Marine boats, will leave St. Andrews main wharf on Saturday, June 15 at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm, weather permitting. The tours will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Space is limited. Cost is $10 for adults; children 12 and under are free. Proceeds from the tours will also be donated to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
“Come and enjoy some time on the beautiful Bay of Fundy as you discover how Atlantic salmon are farmed,” says Parker. "These tours are a great opportunity for people to learn about our sustainable and innovative industry and celebrate New Brunswick seafood.”
ACFFA representatives will be onboard to provide an overview of the salmon aquaculture industry and to answer questions about our operations. Participants will also get the chance to sample some fresh and delicious Atlantic salmon, courtesy of True North Salmon.
The ‘Art for Heart’ event will take place on Wednesday, June 12 from 6:30-10:00 p.m. as part of The Seafood Forum’s Chef’s Gala Dinner at the Algonquin Resort Golf Clubhouse. Charlotte County artists Geoff Slater, Theresa MacKnight and Adam Jeffrey will create paintings to be auctioned off at the end of the evening. Charlotte-The Isles MLA Rick Doucet will serve as auctioneer.
Best known for his line paintings, Geoff Slater also creates traditional images using watercolour and acrylic, graphites and prints using woodblock, intaglio and lithograph techniques. His website is: www.geoffslater.com.
St. Andrews resident Theresa MacKnight studied art at Mount Allison University and the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. A high school art teacher for 20 years, she works in encaustics, oils and other mixed media. Her website is: www.theresamacknight.com.
St. Andrews artist Adam Jeffrey is a painter and printmaker who draws inspiration from the natural world. The large and small eco-systems that surround us give reason to his practice. Sometimes he will make commentary on certain current events, but his work is more a reflection on the beauty of nature. His website is: www.adamjeffreyartwork.com.
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) is an industry-funded association working on behalf of the salmon farming industry in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The ACFFA represents salmon producers in addition to a wide range of supporting companies and organizations. Salmon farming employs over 3000 people in our region and generates over $330 million to our provincial economies.
For more information, please contact:
Pamela Parker, Executive Director
Ph: 506-755-3526
Email: p.parker@atlanticfishfarmers.com
Salmon Farm Tours Celebrate Open Farm Day 2013
Letang, N.B. – Atlantic salmon farmers will host farm tours this weekend to celebrate New Brunswick Open Farm Day 2013.
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association, on behalf of local salmon farmers, will host two tours on Sunday, September 15, 2013 to give the public an opportunity to see how salmon are farmed.
"Farms don’t exist on land only. Few people realise that salmon is New Brunswick's biggest agriculture-based export,” says Pamela Parker, Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA). “For our salmon farmers, the ocean is their field; the fish are their crops and the boats are their tractors.”
ACFFA representatives will be onboard to provide an overview of the salmon aquaculture industry and to answer any questions about the sector. Participants will also get to sample some delicious Atlantic salmon, courtesy of True North Salmon.
“New Brunswick's salmon farming industry is always evolving and has changed significantly in the 30 years since it began. These popular tours are a tremendous way to learn about our innovative industry,” says Parker.
Boat tours (Island Quest Marine) will leave the main wharf in St. Andrews at 12:00 pm and 2:15 pm, weather permitting. Due to boat capacity limitations, please reserve your seat by September 13th by calling (506) 755-3526 or emailing info@atlanticfishfarmers.com. Cost is $10 each for participant over the age of 10, with proceeds to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) is an industry-funded association that works on behalf of the salmon farming industry in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in addition to a wide range of supporting companies and organizations. Salmon farming employs over 3000 people in our region and has a value of over $330 million to provincial economies.
For more information, please contact:
Pamela Parker
Executive Director
Ph: 506-755-3526
Email: p.parker@atlanticfishfarmers.com
Salmon Farmers Release 2013 Year in Review
St. Andrews, N.B. – The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) released its annual Year in Review detailing its continuing work to build a world-class, responsible aquaculture industry in our region.
In 2013, the ACFFA made it a priority to look to other global aquaculture leaders to help our region continue to grow the salmon farming industry here at home.
“The amount of food that will be consumed in the world in the next 50 years will exceed all the food eaten in the rest of human history. Global production of seafood is rising rapidly by seven to nine per cent each year,” says Pamela Parker, Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers’ Association. “Salmon farming is crucial for supplying the world’s food needs. It also represents an unprecedented opportunity to bring economic prosperity to Atlantic Canada’s rural communities while producing one of the world’s healthiest foods.”
Parker says that while other countries around the world have visions that support aquaculture growth of over six per cent annually, Canada’s aquaculture growth has flat-lined and there is no national vision or strategy.
“Salmon farming has already created over 2,600 jobs in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Our industry generates over $330 million in revenue for our region, which triggers over a half billion across Canada,” says Parker. “But our region can and should do more to grasp this tremendous opportunity before us.”
The ACFFA’s Year in Review details the work that the Association and its members are doing to continue to bring jobs to our region, to lead the way on research and development, to enhance environmental management practices, and to contribute to their communities.
Over 136 industry stakeholders, scientists, researchers, provincial and federal government representatives, and community members attended the ACFFA’s fall conference and research workshop November 6 and 7 at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in St. Andrews where this report was released. Participants heard from experts on a variety of topics including sea lice management techniques, climate change, the latest research in feed development and environmental factors, new infrastructure technologies as well as national aquaculture development.
The ACFFA’s 2013 Year in Review can be found here.
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) is an industry-funded association working on behalf of the salmon farming industry in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The ACFFA represents salmon producers in addition to a wide range of supporting companies and organizations.
For more information, please contact:
Pamela Parker, Executive Director
Ph: 506-755-3526
Email: p.parker@atlanticfishfarmers.com
Canada Needs a National Aquaculture Strategy
Norway is not about to let this unprecedented opportunity pass. Neither is Scotland, Chile, New Zealand or Australia.
Canada? I hope not.
What opportunity? The unparalleled one for Canada to help feed the world and create economic growth in our coastal communities, especially in Atlantic Canada.
We live in a world where almost one billion people starve every day, another billion suffer from malnutrition and yet a further billion are obese. By 2050, our total population will rise to nine billion and the need for food security and poverty alleviation will be even greater.
Árni M. Mathiesen, Assistant Director General, Fisheries and Aquaculture, at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, wrote recently that aquaculture, the world’s fastest growing food sector, will be instrumental in meeting this challenge.
“A significant increase in Canada’s aquaculture productivity and production could well make a significant impact on global supply,” said Mathieson. “As an advanced and environmentally conscious country, through new technologies and innovations, Canada also has a chance to lead the way: To disseminate the knowledge, secure investments, and contribute significantly to achieving our common goal of global food security.”
No region in the world is better poised than Atlantic Canada to reap the benefits of aquaculture’s potential and at the same time, revitalize its rural, coastal communities.
But we need a plan to make it happen.
Both Norway and Scotland have bold visions and solid plans to sustainably grow their salmon farming industries to help meet the world’s growing demand for healthy protein. Norway’s goal is to produce 2.7 million tonnes of salmon and trout – enough to feed 100 million people by 2025. That production translates to 56,000 full-time jobs and a $62 billion contribution to the country’s GDP. That’s enough to finance about 65 per cent of the country’s nursing homes or meet 60 per cent of the demand for kindergarten spaces. Scotland – a country viewed by many as having a similar production capacity to Atlantic Canada – has increased its salmon production from 14 tonnes in 1971 to 154,164 tonnes in 2010. Scotland plans to increase its salmon production to 220,000 tonnes by 2020….or as they call it “220 by 2020.”
While other countries have seen their aquaculture industries grow consistently over six per cent annually, Canada’s aquaculture production has flat lined over the past decade. Despite our enormous competitive advantages, Canada’s share of the world’s farmed fish market has fallen by 40 per cent during the same period. Canada now accounts for only 0.2 per cent of global aquaculture production. This stagnation has taken place while other producers in New Zealand, Norway, Scotland and Chile have raced ahead.
One of the reasons for this is Canada’s lack of a national strategy to move aquaculture forward. Canada’s aquaculture industry is governed in large part by the Fisheries Act, which doesn’t even mention the word ‘aquaculture’. It was designed to manage a wild resource not a food production sector. The consequence is a regulatory framework that is complex and uncertain. Federal and provincial regulations overlap and duplicate. Ultimately, this halts growth and discourages investment and innovation. Our famers recognize they face a unique obligation to ensure they operate responsibly. They are not advocating against regulation; they simply want to make sure it meets the public interest with as little ‘red tape’ as possible. Our farmers are committed to environmental sustainability, fish health, innovative research and development and involvement in their communities.
New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have aquaculture development strategies that help guide our industry’s development. But more is needed. With a national vision, we will unlock the full range of economic, environmental and public health benefits that flow from a competitive, sustainable and growing farmed seafood sector.
Canada’s aquaculture industry currently generates just over $1 billion in economic activity across this country. Increasing production by just six per cent annually would bring that to $2.8 billion and would result in significant job growth.
Our region is facing record debt, skyrocketing health care costs, an aging population and high unemployment. Salmon farming represents an extraordinary opportunity to bring economic prosperity to Atlantic Canada’s rural communities – while producing one of the world’s healthiest foods.
The rest of the world is grasping this opportunity. Atlantic Canada can too. All we have to do is work together to make it happen.
Pamela Parker
Executive Director
Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association
Bookkeeper/Project Manager
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association is seeking a Bookkeeper – Project Manager to join our organization.
This position will be responsible for the day-to-day financial management of the Association and for the management and reporting for all project contracts. This position reports to the Executive Director. It is a full time position.
Specific duties include:
- Responsible for all accounting functions and maintenance of financial records
- Maintain and manage all project contracts
- Maintain all personnel contracts, payroll and benefits
- Supervise annual audit
- Coordinate all asset management
- Oversee Limekiln Wharf
- Participate in office and administrative support activities
- Participate in Association special events and community activities
This is a one year renewable contract starting immediately. Starting salary range will be $36,000 to $48,000 based on qualifications and experience range; plus benefits. Some weekend and evening work is required, plus occasional travel.
The ideal candidate will have an accounting / bookkeeping designation and/or equivalent proven work experience; will be able to work independently and as part of a team. The candidate will be proficient with accounting software packages, Microsoft office, internet and email software.
Interested candidates should submit their resume and a brief cover letter to Pamela Parker, ACFFA Executive Director at p.parker@atlanticfishfarmers.com or by mail to 226 Limekiln Road, Letang, NB E5C 2A8. Only those candidates that are short listed will be contacted.
Deadline for application is Monday March 3, 2014
Final Research Workshop Report Released
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) today released the proceedings from its 2013 Annual Workshop and Research Review.
Over 130 industry stakeholders, scientists, researchers, provincial and federal government representatives, and community members attended the ACFFA’s fall conference and research workshop November 6 and 7 at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in St. Andrews.
Participants heard from experts on a variety of topics including sea lice management techniques, climate change, the latest research in feed development and environmental factors, new infrastructure technologies as well as national aquaculture development.
This meeting was gratefully supported by: Fish Vet Group, Merck Animal Health, Novartis Animal Health, Skretting, Solvay Chemicals, Aqua Pharma, Canada Cryogenetics Services, Pharmaq AS, Future Nets, Mitchell McConnell Insurance, Sweeney International, Silk Stevens Limited and RDI Strategies Inc.
To read the ACFFA Annual Technical Workshop and Research Review, please click here.
http://0101.nccdn.net/1_5/209/29c/333/ACFFA-Annual-Technical-Workshop-and-Research-Review-2013.pdf
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) is an industry-funded association working on behalf of the salmon farming industry in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The ACFFA represents salmon producers in addition to a wide range of supporting companies and organizations.
For more information, please contact:
Pamela Parker
Executive Director
Ph: 506-755-3526
Email: p.parker@atlanticfishfarmers.com
A Successful Year in Sea Lice Management
The end of 2013 marked a positive milestone for New Brunswick salmon farmers.
December 31, 2013 was the conclusion of New Brunswick’s first full year using an integrated approach to sea lice management.
And you know what? After struggling through a few challenging years of high sea lice populations, our farmers are beginning to turn the corner in the management of these naturally occurring parasites. The progress is thanks to the full implementation of a collaborative and integrated pest management plan
Sea lice are found on a variety of fish stocks around the world, but their populations vary from area to area. Sea lice do not pose a human health risk, but high levels of sea lice can harm our fish. Managing sea lice is complex; farmers must deal with a wide range of biological and environmental factors including the various life stages of the lice and varying water temperatures. Relying on one method to control sea lice simply does not work.
For the past several years, our farmers have worked collaboratively with provincial and federal regulators, veterinarians, scientists, conservationists and traditional fishers to develop an Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP) that combines preventative farming practises like fish husbandry, single year class stocking, fallowing and low stocking densities with having a variety of approved treatment products for use when necessary. This approach allows farmers to focus on the prevention of sea lice and when necessary, to strategically use the right treatment at the right time, thus reducing the overall amount of approved product used.
After an evaluation, the results are in: with the exception of a brief spike during the last few weeks of October when water temperatures remained unseasonably warm, sea lice populations were kept lower than in the past four years. Farmers achieved that result because, for the first time, they had ongoing access to several treatment options that they could use strategically. They were able to keep treatments to a minimum. On average, farms required treatment only once, and some of our farms did not require treatment at all.
In addition, farmers used environmentally-benign hydrogen peroxide in well boats for the majority of treatments in 2013, but also tested a new delivery system for bath treatments in full tarps that supports better mixing and improved treatment efficacy.
Our farmers are committed to sharing information about their sea lice management practises as well as research and sea lice monitoring results. As part of our integrated approach, salmon farmers develop a collaborative and coordinated industry-wide sea lice management and treatment plan that is submitted to the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries annually; we shared it with community stakeholders too. Individual companies also submit their plans to regulators. Industry sends weekly notices of any bath treatments to community stakeholders and regulators. When veterinarians decide a treatment is necessary, reports are sent to regulators detailing each cage treated. Third party audits are also part of our framework.
Farmers also submit monthly sea lice counts to Fish-iTrends, an Atlantic-wide industry data collection system developed and maintained by the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the University of Prince Edward Island. Provincial fish health personnel have ongoing access to this data. For the past three years, our association has released an annual sea lice management report which is posted on the ACFFA website using trend data from this system.
While we’re pleased our integrated approach is netting positive results, our farmers continually strive to improve their performance. Our industry has invested millions of dollars into collaborative research to develop alternative “green” sea lice technologies like improved treatment delivery systems, well boats, closed tarps, sea lice traps and “cleaner” fish. Each fall, ACFFA hosts a collaborative research workshop that brings together researchers, scientists, farmers, federal and provincial representatives and community members. Participants hear from experts on new research, management techniques and they discuss research priorities. The proceedings from these workshops are also published on our website.
Despite the good results in 2013, our farmers know that for this approach to be truly successful in the long-term, they need access to more treatment options like their counterparts in Norway, Chile and Scotland have had for many years. Those farmers have a variety of tools to control sea lice under a variety of environmental and biological conditions ensuring sea lice never pose a risk to the health of their fish and the viability of their farms. They also have access to matching research dollars to support the development of new technologies.
That said, even though it doesn’t feel like winter will ever leave us, our farmers are looking forward to spring with a renewed optimism that comes from knowing they’ve got a solid plan for moving forward with existing treatments and trials on new innovations.
Pamela Parker is the Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association, an industry-funded organization that works on behalf of the salmon farming industry in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
ACFFA launches its 3rd Annual Five Easy Pieces Challenge
Letang, NB - Staffers at the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) will kick off their 3nd Annual Five Easy Pieces fashion challenge tomorrow to raise money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
ACFFA staffers will pick only five pieces of clothing each to wear to work for the month of April. They’ll collect pledges to raise funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
“Every seven minutes in Canada, someone dies from heart disease or stroke. Heart and stroke are two of the leading causes of death in Canada,” says Pamela Parker, Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association. “The Heart and Stroke Foundation is a cause near and dear to our hearts. We’ve all been touched in some manner by heart and stroke.”
Over the past two years, the ACFFA and its members have raised about $6,000 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The idea originated from the BC Salmon Farmers Association who created and launched this successful initiative in 2011. They invited the ACFFA to take up the challenge, help raise funds for Heart and Stroke and spread heart-healthy messages from coast to coast.
“Atlantic salmon is one of the most nutritious foods you can eat. It’s one of the world’s best sources of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. It’s also high in protein, low in saturated fat and loaded with vitamin D and E,” says Parker. “This challenge is a terrific opportunity to educate people about the benefits of seafood, and particularly salmon, and to raise money for a good cause too.”
Parker says she and her staff choose their five clothing pieces wisely because they’ll have to make those items work for events ranging from farm tours to business meetings to receptions. Staffers will be able to spice up their chosen outfits with different shoes, scarves and jewelry, but they will stick to their basic five core pieces for the month.
“We’ll be doing a lot of laundry,” she says.
For more information or if you want to get involved by pledging a donation, please email: info@atlanticfishfarmers.com or call us at (506) 755-3526.
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) is an industry-funded association working on behalf of the salmon farming industry in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The ACFFA represents salmon producers in addition to a wide range of supporting companies and organizations. Salmon farming employs over 3,000 people in our region and generates over $330 million to our provincial economies.
For more information, please contact:
Pamela Parker
Executive Director
Ph: 506-755-3526
Email: p.parker@atlanticfishfarmers.com
Job Posting: Executive Assistant/Event Manager
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association is seeking an Executive Assistant/Event Manager to join our staff on a part-time basis.
This position will be responsible for day-to-day administrative duties in addition to special event organization. This position reports to the Executive Director.
Applicants must have a superior ability working with the Microsoft office suite and excellent typing and other clerical expertise. Experience in event organization and management is also required. The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills.
This position will generally work half time although additional hours will be expected from time to time including some weekend and evening work. Starting salary range will be $15 and $20 per hour based on qualifications and experience; plus benefits.
Interested candidates should submit their resume and a brief cover letter to Pamela Parker, ACFFA Executive Director at p.parker@atlanticfishfarmers.com or by mail to 226 Limekiln Road, Letang, NB E5C 2A8. Please provide information that relate to the core competencies. Only those candidates who are short listed will be contacted.
Deadline for application is Monday, April 21, 2014
About the ACFFA
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association is an industry-funded association that works on behalf of salmon farmers in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Membership in the Association includes aquaculture operators, feed companies and suppliers as well as other supporting businesses. This position is located in our office in Letang, New Brunswick
Salmon Farmers Host Tours to Celebrate Bay of Fundy Seafood Week
Letang, N.B. – New Brunswick salmon farmers will celebrate Bay of Fundy Seafood Week by hosting guided farm tours to raise money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association, on behalf of local salmon farmers, will offer two farm tours on Saturday, June 7 to give the public an opportunity to learn about salmon farming.
"The salmon farming industry is always evolving and has changed significantly in the 30-plus years since it began in our province. These popular tours are a tremendous way to learn about our innovative and sustainable sector and to celebrate New Brunswick seafood," says Pamela Parker, Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers' Association.
The salmon farm tours, on an Island Quest Marine vessel, will leave St. Andrews main wharf on Saturday, June 7 at 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., weather permitting. The tours will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Space is limited. Cost is $10 for adults; children 12 and under are free. ACFFA representatives will be onboard to provide an overview of the salmon aquaculture industry and to answer questions about our operations. Participants will also get the chance to sample some delicious Atlantic salmon, courtesy of True North Salmon. Proceeds from the tours will be donated to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
“The Heart and Stroke Foundation is near and dear to our hearts. Our staff and members raise money for this organization annually with our Five Easy Pieces Campaign,” says Parker. “Atlantic salmon is one of the most nutritious foods you can eat. It’s one of the world’s best sources of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. It’s also high in protein, low in saturated fat and loaded with vitamin D and E. And it’s grown right here.”
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) is an industry-funded association working on behalf of the salmon farming industry in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The ACFFA represents salmon producers in addition to a wide range of supporting companies and organizations. Salmon farming employs over 3,000 people in our region and generates over $330 million to our provincial economies.
For more information, please contact:
Pamela Parker
Executive Director
Ph: 506-755-3526
Email: p.parker@atlanticfishfarmers.com