Letter to the Editor - Telegraph Journal

To the Editor:
I am writing to express my concern about the misinformation contained in the story “Coalition protests Bay of Fundy aquaculture venture” that appeared on A4 of the Friday, June 17 edition of the Telegraph-Journal.

Fundy Baykeeper’s Matthew Abbott is quoted as saying the salmon farming industry is expanding in Nova Scotia because “disease and environmental problems have limited such opportunities in New Brunswick.”

Mr. Abbott is wrong.

In fact, salmon farm sites are carefully chosen in areas where water currents naturally provide the best conditions for fish well-being and environmental sustainability.  Rigorous federal and provincial regulations determine where a farm can be located. Quite simply, there is little space in the waters off the coast of New Brunswick that meets the strict criteria necessary for locating new farms.  Only ten farms are operating in Nova Scotia, which leaves ample room for expansion in that province at a time when coastal communities are seeking economic development opportunities. Salmon farming is a perfect fit.

What also cannot go unchallenged are Mr. Abbott’s speculative comments that the new farms planned for Nova Scotia will negatively affect the lobster fishery and spread disease and parasites to wild Atlantic salmon.

New Brunswick’s salmon farmers have shared a working waterfront with the traditional fishery for 30 years and during that time lobster landings have increased exponentially while salmon farming has matured to become a social and economic driver for the region. Farmers meet and often exceed high environmental standards set by federal and provincial regulation. They follow rigorous codes of practise and regulations that now include regular fallowing of farms, government-audited sediment testing of the ocean floor and site-specific environmental assessments.

No credible scientific evidence exists that shows farmed salmon spread disease or parasites to wild salmon.

Pristine seawater is essential to the production of healthy, high-quality salmon, and our locally-owned and managed salmon farming companies are committed to protecting the ocean environment in which they work and live.

We welcome public scrutiny of our industry, but let’s frame that debate in science-based facts, not fiction.

Pamela Parker
Executive Director
Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association

Collaboration Between Salmon Farmers and Endangered Wild Salmon Recovery Scientists Earns National Award

For Immediate Release
 
June 21, 2011 - Letang,  N.B. - An important collaboration between New Brunswick salmon farmers and endangered wild salmon recovery specialists has earned a Parks Canada CEO Award of Excellence.
 
Parks Canada has honoured individuals with the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA), Admiral Fish Farms Ltd., the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Parks Canada Agency for their work on the Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic Salmon Recovery Project. The collaboration earned the CEO Award of Excellence in the Engaging Partners category, which was presented to two team members by Parks Canada Agency CEO Alan Latourelle at a recent ceremony at the Georgian Bay Island National Park in Ontario.
 
"This collaborative project will provide valuable insight into the mysterious marine life stage of wild salmon and is poised to yield unprecedented numbers of mature adult Inner Bay of Fundy salmon for release to their host rivers to spawn," says Pamela Parker, Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association. "Although Betty House, ACFFA's research coordinator and Howard Streight with Admiral Fish Farms earned the award on behalf of the industry, many salmon farming industry collaborators have been engaged for three years and have eagerly contributed their expertise, equipment, feed and labour to this worthwhile initiative."
 
Once numbering as high as 40,000 adults, the population of the Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon dropped to approximately 250 adults by 2000. The cause of the decline has not been well understood, however, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests it is a result of low marine survival. This three-year project, which was recently extended for one more year, saw wild smolts from the Upper Salmon River in Fundy National Park transported to aquaculture net pens in the Bay of Fundy, where they will remain for two years. A portion of the fish will be tagged and eventually released into the Bay of Fundy. Researchers will then track thses fish, hopefully back to their native river. The remaining fish will be retained for a further in-depth study in fish behaviour and physiology.
 
"This project will allow researchers to compare the performance of fish reared in a freshwater hatchery as part of the Fundy National Park's Live Gene Bank with those raised in sea cages during the same life stages (smolt-adult). The outdoor sea cage rearing environment in the Bay of Fundy better resembles salmon's natural environment during this life stage than does an indoor freshwater hatchery, " says Parker. "The information will also be helpful to those involved in aquaculture broodstock programs, who utilize similar management practices by rearing broodstock in pathogen free freshwater facilities."
 
The Atlantic salmon farming industry has, for many years, actively supported projects aimed at restoring the diminishing wild salmon populations in this region's rivers by providing hatchery and fish health expertise, funding assistance and research support.
 
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. The ACFFA represents 100 per cent of salmon production in the Maritime region 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

Letter to the Editor - Fishermen's Voice

Mike Crowe
Managing Editor
Fishermen’s Voice
September 1, 2011
 
To the Editor:
I am writing in response to the article entitled Blue Revolution Revisited by Inka Milewski in the September, 2011 edition.

For over 30 years, salmon farmers have shared a working waterfront with the traditional fishing sector, and this article does a disservice to our communities and our citizens by fear mongering based on selective reporting, old data and misinformation.

Ms. Milewski based her commentary on the observations of a group of hand-picked participants – hardly what anyone would describe as an unbiased sampling. The document she cites is not backed by credible research and doesn’t include any input from our region’s salmon farmers, some of whom have farmed these waters for decades.

I think it’s important to point out to your readers that the observation of a few does not reflect the reality of what’s happening in our region’s marine environment. I suggest your readers choose factual evidence over kitchen table stories. Check the records of lobster landings. Catches have remained steady or increased in the 30 years since salmon farming started in New Brunswick. Look through the underwater cameras on established salmon farms to see the marine life alive and well and active below the net pens. Read the publicly-available sulphide counts on farms.

Absolutely every aspect of salmon farming is based on credible science and research from veterinarians, marine biologists, ecologists, scientists and regulators. 

To point to a single farm site or to harken back to the way things were in the early days of the industry is not an accurate reflection on how modern salmon farms operate. 

When it comes to the environmental sustainability of our industry, we base our farming on facts, not anecdotes, and we are held accountable for our practices.  Ms. Milewski needs to be held to the same standard of accountability.
 
Yours truly
Pamela Parker
Executive Director
Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association

2011 New Brunswick Open Farm Day

2011 NEW BRUNSWICK OPEN FARM DAY

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18th

The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association invites you to join us for a great afternoon featuring a guided boat tour of the salmon farming industry and an opportunity to sample some barbequed salmon.
 
Boat Toiurs will be leaving at 2:30pm and 3:30pm from the Back Bay Wharf, weather p0ermitting. Industry representatives will be onboard to provide an overview of New Brunswick's salmon aquaculture industry and the local environment.
 
Due to boat capacity limitations you must reserve your space by September 15th.
 
For more information or to reserve a seat please call 755-3526 or email info@atlaticfishfarmers.com
 
BBQ will be held at the Back Bay Wharf witth:
Salmon sampling for the 2:30 tour starting at 2:00
Salmon sampling for the 3:30 tour starting at 3:00
 
'There is no cost for this event'
 
DIRECTIONS
 
Take Exit 56 from Route 1
Turn left onto Route 172, travel for approximately 25km
Turn left at Intersection, (Back Bay Loop Road)
Please do not park on wharf, use designated parking areas

Salmon Farm Tours Popular on Open Farm Day

Letang, N.B. - Nearly 100 people from Saint John and the Charlotte County area toured salmon farms in the Bay of Fundy as part of the 10th annual New Brunswick Open Farm Day.
 
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association, on behalf of local salmon farmers, hosted two complimentary tours on September 18 during the Atlantic-wide awareness event that provides an opportunity for the public to experience how salmon farms and agricultural farms operate.
 
"Not all farming takes place on land. Few people realize that farmed salmon is New Brunswick's biggest agriculture-based export. These tours were a great opportunity for people to learn all about this thriving and innovative industry,” says Pamela Parker, executive director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association. “We had a wonderful afternoon on the water showcasing the latest technology and new 'green' farming techniques that our farmers use to grow fresh and healthy salmon.”
 
Parker and Betty House, ACFFA Research & Development Coordinator, were onboard to provide an overview of the salmon aquaculture industry and to answer any questions about the sector. Participants also enjoyed a salmon BBQ compliments of True North Salmon along with hot dogs and munchies from Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association. The event is supported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sobey’s Inc., as well as provincial governments and aquaculture/agriculture organizations in the Atlantic region
 
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. The ACFFA represents 100 per cent of salmon production in the Maritime region 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

Integrated Pest Management Plan helps control sea lice in 2011

Letang, N.B. – Preventative farm practises, the strategic use of approved treatments and well boat technology have all contributed to effective sea lice management in New Brunswick in 2011, says a new report released by the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association.
 
The association today released New Brunswick Sea Lice Management (2009 to August 2011), an overview the challenges and successes experienced by New Brunswick salmon farmers in sea lice management and the steps farmers have taken toward the implementation of a Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP).
 
“This report clearly shows the best approach to sea lice management is an Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP),” says Pamela Parker, Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association. “IPMP combines farm management practises with access to a variety of approved treatments that farmers can use strategically based on the life stage of the louse and environmental conditions such as water temperatures. This approach allows farmers to use the right product at the right time, thus reducing the amount of approved treatments used while keeping lice numbers very low.” 
 
Sea lice are a naturally occurring parasite that affect wild and farmed fish alike although they are not an issue in all farming areas. New Brunswick salmon farmers are leading the way in developing and implementing effective, innovative and sustainable treatment and management strategies for sea lice. Besides investing in well-boat technology, salmon farmers are investing in a number of research projects to explore other non-chemical treatment options like cleaner fish and sea lice traps.  
 
To read New Brunswick Sea Lice Management (2009 to August 2011), please click here.
 
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association is an industry-funded association that works on behalf of the salmon farming industry in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The ACFFA represents salmon producers in the Maritime region 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

Statement on Environment Canada Charges

For Immediate Release
November 4, 2011
 
As you are aware, Environment Canada has laid charges against one of our member companies, Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd., a division of Cooke Aquaculture, under the Fisheries Act for depositing deleterious substances in water frequented by fish.
 
While our association cannot comment specifically on the charges, we do want to say that as an association, we promote the use of authorized products in accordance with the prescribed method of treatment.
 
The ACFFA and our member companies have been cooperating fully with Environment Canada since the investigation was launched in 2009.
 
Working alongside those in the traditional fishery, our salmon farmers have built this industry for the past 30 years. Protecting the marine environment where we live and work is a priority for us. Our industry has thrived while at the same time the lobster fishery continues to see record landings. We know that if our farm practices are not sustainable, our fish will not be healthy, and we would not have access to a healthy marine resource for the future.
 
Atlantic Canada’s fish farmers continue to be firmly committed to building a locally based, globally competitive, sustainable aquaculture industry that produces world-class salmon and brings prosperity to our region.
 
To read Cooke Aquaculture’s update on the Environment Canada charges, please visit: http://www.cookeaqua.com
 
Pamela Parker
Executive Director
Ph: 506-755-3526
Email: p.parker@atlanticfishfarmers.com

Atlantic Salmon Growers Elect New Association President

Letang, N.B. – Larry Ingalls, CEO of Northern Harvest Sea Farms, is the new chair of The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA).
 
Mr. Ingalls, who served as vice-chair of the association, was named to the post during the ACFFA’s recent annual general meeting in St. Andrews. Former chair Nell Halse, VP Communications at Cooke Aquaculture Inc., will serve as vice-chair while Bob Sweeney, president of Sweeney International Inc., will remain as secretary-treasurer.
 
“Salmon farming has huge potential for the Atlantic region, especially our coastal communities, and I’m pleased to help lead our association as we continue to grow a locally-based, globally competitive, sustainable aquaculture industry,” said Mr. Ingalls.
 
A UNB Education graduate, Larry entered the industry in 1985 along with his brothers Neil and David. Mr. Ingalls helps lead St. George-based Northern Harvest Sea Farms that has operations in New Brunswick and Newfoundland with over 250 employees.
 
Over 150 salmon farmers, industry stakeholders, scientists, researchers, provincial and federal government representatives, and community members attended the ACFFA’s recent fall conference and research workshop held in conjunction with the AGM. Participants heard industry updates as well as the latest research findings on a variety of topics including new feed formulations, sea lice management techniques and conservation programs supported by the industry.
 
The ACFFA 2011 annual report can be found here.
 
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. The ACFFA represents 95 per cent of salmon production in the Maritime region 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

Statement on Health Canada Enforcement Bulletins

Letang, N.B. - The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association would like to release the following information regarding the Health Canada notices issued today involving two of our member companies, Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd. and Northern Harvest Sea Farms Ltd.

These incidents, which occurred over a year ago, stem from a packaging problem with the approved pest control product Salmosan 50 WP that has since been resolved. The salmon farming companies alerted regulators to the problem and provided them with their treatment records.

According to the label directions on the product at the time, farmers were authorized to use up to 90 grams of Salmosan per treatment in well-boats; however, the product came packaged in 100 gram doses only. Since this product can only be measured and repackaged in a controlled lab, on-site veterinarians could not remove 10 grams of product. The packaging issue has been addressed with the vendor.

The well-boat treatments applied were significantly below any level that would have any negative impact to fish quality, fish health or to the environment, and the 100 grams of product administered is significantly lower than the 1000 grams of product that is authorized for use when treatments are conducted in a skirted net pen.

Atlantic Canada’s salmon farmers are committed to protecting the marine environment where they work and live. They work collaboratively with researchers and veterinarians to ensure any approved treatment products they use are administered according to the label directions.  

Letter to the Editor - Shelburne Coast Guard

To the Editor:

I am writing to clear up misinformation that was contained in a letter written by Karen Crocker, Gloria Gilbert, Sindy Horncastle and Marilyn Moore in the December 6th edition of the Coast Guard.

In 2010, one of our member companies, Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd, along with other salmon farmers in New Brunswick, were authorized to use up to 1000 grams of Salmosan per treatment to treat their salmon for sea lice. The exact amount of approved medicine used depends upon the method of treatment.

New Brunswick salmon farmers made the decision to use well boats – the method where the least amount of product is used. So instead of using 1000 grams of Salmosan in a tarp treatments, farmers used 10 times less – only 100 grams – in well-boats.

Our farmers were fined for using 100 gram packages, instead of 90 grams of product, which was authorized for use in a well boat, because the vendor sold the product in 100 gram packages only. Regulations prevent farmers from repackaging amounts themselves.  This must be done in a controlled lab. It was our salmon farmers who alerted regulators to this problem, and the packaging issue has now been resolved.

The well-boat treatments (like tarp treatments) were significantly below any level that would have any negative impact to fish quality, fish health, to the marine environment, and to lobsters.

Our farmers are good neighbours and care about the marine environment in which they live and work. That’s why they invest in ‘green’ technology like well-boats in the first place. It is important that your readers understand all the facts so that they can make an informed decision on this issue.

Pamela Parker
Executive Director
Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association

Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance issues statement regarding WWF Salmon Aquaculture Dialogue

The World Wildlife Fund Salmon Aquaculture Dialogue (SAD) released the final draft of its global standards on February 7, 2012.  

Canadian salmon farmers have long identified the intrinsic linkage between sustainability measures with industry growth and viability to objectively demonstrate commitment towards sustainable farming through adherence to recognized standards.

As such, salmon farming companies across Canada have either already achieved, or are currently pursuing, third party certification to science-based, internationally credible environmental and social standards. Certification nevertheless is voluntary and companies are choosing to adopt the most effective and economically viable certification programs available based on their business goals.

With the auditing guidance for the SAD standard yet to be developed, it is premature to speculate on the uptake of the standard by Canadian companies. Only upon release of the guidance document will the industry be able to clearly assess the market credibility of the standard, what they need to do to comply with the standards, and to evaluate the business costs associated with achieving them.

The Canadian industry has committed to continued participation on the steering committee as the audit documents are developed.

The statement can also be found here.

 

Final Research Workshop Report Released

The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) today released the proceedings from its technical review and research workshop held November 24 and 25, 2011 in St. Andrews, NB.
 
This meeting brought together aquaculture industry representatives from various provinces with other stakeholders to learn the preliminary results of the various initiatives and research projects undertaken over the last two years and to help determine research priorities for 2012.
 
Over 130 individuals attended this meeting, including workshop presenters, personnel from both federal and provincial governments, researchers, representatives from various pharmaceutical companies as well as other interested stakeholders such as students, researchers, fishery and conservation representatives and industry representatives from British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and New Brunswick. 
 
This meeting was gratefully supported by: Fisheries and Ocean’s Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program, Merck Animal Health, Pharmaq AS, Skretting, Solvay Chemicals, Future Nets, Aqua Pharma, Mitchell McConnell Insurance, Novartis Animal Health, Sweeney International Marine Corp., and Northeast Nutrition.
 
To read the ACFFA Annual Technical Workshop and Research Review, please click here.
 
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association is an industry-funded association that works on behalf of the salmon farming industry in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The ACFFA represents 95 per cent of salmon production in the Maritime region 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

New video shines spotlight on Atlantic Canadian salmon farming

Letang, N.B. – The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association has released a new video about salmon farming on Canada’s east coast.
 
Entitled “Farming the Ocean”, the eight-minute video shows how salmon are grown “from egg to plate” and highlights the industry’s environmental practices and importance to coastal communities.
 
“Atlantic Canadian salmon farmers are recognized leaders in sustainable and innovative finfish farming,” says Pamela Parker, Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association. “Our industry is complex and science-based, and this video will help inform people about how we farm and grow our fish with care.”
 
Filmed and produced by Saint John-based Hemmings House Pictures, the video explains everything from what salmon are fed and how they are cared for to how the farms are regulated and monitored. It also shows how salmon farming has revitalized coastal communities.
 
“Our region’s fish farmers have built this industry over the past 30 years. Salmon farming is an important economic driver for Atlantic Canada, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs on farms, in hatcheries, processing plants, feed manufacturing, packaging and maintenance and transportation,” says Parker. “We’re proud of our industry and excited to help share our pride with this video.”
 
To view the video, please click here.
 
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. The ACFFA represents fish farmers in the Maritime region 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

Atlantic Salmon Farmers Attend Boston Seafood Show to Showcase and Build Region's Aquaculture Industry

Letang, N.B. – Atlantic Canada’s salmon farming industry plans to take advantage of the worldwide growth in aquaculture to promote their products and educate visitors at the upcoming International Boston Seafood Show.
 
To help educate buyers and visitors who attend the annual show, the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) will distribute a new video about salmon farming on Canada’s east coast. Entitled “Farming the Ocean”, the eight-minute video shows how salmon are grown “from egg to plate” and highlights the industry’s environmental practices and economic importance to coastal communities.
 
“Our region’s fish farmers have built this industry over the past 30 years. Salmon farming is an important economic driver for Atlantic Canada, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs on farms, in hatcheries, processing plants, feed manufacturing, packaging and maintenance and transportation,” says Pamela Parker, Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association. “We’re proud of our industry and excited to help share our pride with this video.”
 
A large delegation of Atlantic Canadian salmon farmers and other sector representatives will attend the annual show, which is billed as the largest seafood exhibition in North America. Representatives from the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) and its member companies will attend, including Admiral Fish Farms Ltd., Northern Harvest Sea Farms Ltd., and Cooke Aquaculture Ltd. Delegates from many supporting companies in sectors such as feed manufacturing, packaging and the supply and service industry will also attend.
 
The International Boston Seafood Show, which runs from March 11-13, attracts upwards of 18,000 buyers from 120 countries and features about 900 exhibitors.
 
“The International Boston Seafood Show is a tremendous opportunity for our salmon farmers to showcase their products, build new markets and continue to grow our industry which already creates thousands of jobs to our coastal communities,” says Parker.
 
A recent report by the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (APEC) says aquaculture is the fastest growing source of food production in the world, with Atlantic Canada riding the wave of growth. The value of production in Atlantic Canada has more than doubled from $160 million in 1996 to $356 million in 2010. Atlantic salmon accounts for about 82 per cent of the value of aquaculture production in 2010.
 
“The potential is huge for economic growth in aquaculture in Atlantic Canada. We’ve got an abundant natural ocean environment that provides optimal conditions for the well-being of farmed fish and the sustainability of the environment. We’ve also got the vast aquatic resources, technology innovation and technical expertise to become even more of a leader in the globally competitive sustainable aquaculture industry,” says Parker. “There is a lot of international interest in Atlantic Canada’s salmon farming industry. Huge demand exists for our companies’ products and that demand is only going to grow in the future.”
 
Salmon farming is a proven and environmentally sustainable way to bring economic prosperity to rural communities across Atlantic Canada. The salmon farming industry is one of this region’s biggest economic drivers, generating over $270 million in revenue in New Brunswick alone and almost $50 million in Nova Scotia, which triggers over a half billion across Canada. Our region produces 30 per cent of Canada’s farmed salmon, and our industry has created over 2,600 jobs just in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia alone.
 
 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. The ACFFA represents 95 per cent of salmon production in the Maritime region in addition to a wide range of supporting companies and organizations.
To see our Farming the Ocean video, please go here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUTmmQE2j7k
 
For more information, please contact:
Pamela Parker
Executive Director
Ph: 506-755-3526
Email: p.parker@atlanticfishfarmers.com

Salmon farming co-exists successfully with wild fishery and tourism industries

Letang, NB - Recently, various Maritime organizations wrote a letter to Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter calling for a moratorium on the expansion of salmon aquaculture. While the signatory list is long, it actually represents a small number of citizens.
 
It is regrettable that this small but vocal group feels the need for an all-or-nothing scenario in Nova Scotia. The fact of the matter is that salmon farming has successfully co-existed with a thriving wild fishery and a vibrant tourism industry for over 30 years in New Brunswick and elsewhere.
 
The same co-existence has been a reality in Nova Scotia, and we are committed to making sure both sectors continue to thrive as partners in our region’s working waterfronts.  Our region’s salmon farmers are passionate and hardworking people who are committed to building a locally based, globally competitive and environmentally sustainable industry that will continue to bring prosperity to our coastal communities.
 
Our industry already employs over 900 Nova Scotians who work and live in rural communities and contribute a value of $40 million to our economy. The majority of Nova Scotians are supportive of our industry. Public opinion research conducted twice in the past year by Corporate Research Associates confirms that when asked for their level of support for the further development of the aquaculture industry in Nova Scotia (defined as the practice of farming fish), three quarters of residents indicate some level of support (77%), with three-in-ten completely supporting such development (29%).
 
We’re concerned about the notion put forth by this group that there has been a “rapid expansion” of salmon farming in Nova Scotia. In fact, there have been only three new salmon aquaculture sites approved in Nova Scotia in the last 10 years. The Province currently has a total of 21 salmon licences/leases that have been issued but only nine of these sites have fish in the water. Currently six applications are being processed for new salmon farms.
 
The total leased area in the province for trout and salmon in the ocean is currently 1.7 square kilometers. This very small footprint could fit into Bedford Basin nine times over.
 
We disagree with the suggestion that our industry will harm the traditional fishery or tourism industry. Our salmon farmers follow the highest fish management and environmental practices; they rely on the best science to farm their fish and live up to, and in many cases, surpass the stringent federal and provincial regulations for aquaculture.
 
It will always be easy to find research that supports certain points of view, which is the case with these groups. What we do know is that lobster landings have in fact increased in the Maritimes since the 1990s, according to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. A study conducted by the School of Fisheries, Marine Institute of Memorial University in 2005 shows that after 25 years of commercial fish farming, lobster landings are at historic high levels, particularly in areas with active fish and shellfish farm sites. We also know that wild salmon runs are consistent whether salmon farms are in the area or not.
 
Tourism industries have flourished and communities have benefited from a diversified economic base.  In fact, in several communities, we work alongside tourism operators, as visitors to our shores and communities are interested in learning more about what we do.
 
While closed containment is often touted as a magic bullet for salmon farmers, the fact is, at this point, raising salmon in closed systems for their entire life cycle is neither viable nor as ‘green’ as it’s cracked up to be.  Developing land based facilities for New Brunswick and Nova Scotia’s salmon production would require land equivalent to more than 8,000 football fields – over 50 times the space than we currently use to grow our fish to harvest in the ocean. The capital costs alone to move Atlantic Canada’s salmon production to land would be at least $1.5 billion. The amount of continuous electricity needed to run land-based facilities would leave a huge carbon footprint by producing harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and closed systems also require a consistent and abundant water supply at a time when many areas are facing water shortages.
 
The all-or-nothing approach put forth by this small group puts at risk the future economic growth of many rural Nova Scotia communities. We are faced with an unprecedented opportunity for Nova Scotia to realize the potential of a growing international aquaculture industry. In New Brunswick and Newfoundland, the salmon farming industry is one of the region’s biggest economic drivers. 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 embraced the aquaculture development opportunity. That province 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 region produces 30 percent of Canada’s farmed salmon, and a recent Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (APEC) report says aquaculture is the fastest growing source of food production in the world, with Atlantic Canada riding the wave of growth.
 
Nova Scotia has an incredible opportunity to realize aquaculture’s potential and create jobs for its coastal communities. And we can do it while still maintaining vibrant and flourishing wild fishery and tourism industries. We are committed to a future where our three sectors remain healthy partners in the region’s working waterfront.  It doesn’t have to be ‘all or nothing.’  Let’s do what is best for our people and our province.
 
 
Pamela Parker
Executive Director
Ph: 506-755-3526
Email: p.parker@atlanticfishfarmers.com

Letter to the Editor - Chronicle Herald

May 16,
To the Editor:

On behalf of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA), I would like to correct the factual errors contained in Ralph Surette’s opinion piece: Salmon Farming: An Industry that Needs to be Caged, published on May 12, 2012.

Like many of our fellow Atlantic Canadians, we are concerned about the well-being of the marine environment upon which we depend for our livelihood.  We welcome scrutiny but we also ask for respect and dialogue that begins with the facts.

Here are the facts:
 

1. Salmon farmed in the Atlantic region are not dyed pink. Carotenoids (a natural  ingredient found in carrots and egg yolks) are added to the diet of salmon to provide them with vitamin A, which in turn gives them their pink color.
2. Farmed Atlantic salmon are not injected with growth hormones.
3. For every kilogram of feed a farmed salmon eats, it gains almost a kilogram of weight.  By comparison, cows must eat eight kilograms of feed in order to gain one kilogram of weight.
4. Wild salmon runs are not affected by the location of a salmon farm. Rather, international studies have shown that wild Atlantic Salmon are impacted by a variety of issues such as acid rain, unhealthy water sheds, hydro dams, habitat loss, climate change and over-fishing.
5. There are no sea lice treatments on Nova Scotia salmon farms and no pesticides used.  
6. The lobster that died during an AlphaMax treatment in New Brunswick two years ago were purchased from an unknown location in unknown condition, placed directly
7.  in the tarp with the treatment and then dragged behind a boat for several hours. No wonder they died. Extensive scientific field research and monitoring have shown that approved treatments have no negative impact on the marine system, lobster and other species when used according to treatment protocols.
8. Salmon farms conduct regular government-audited sediment testing of the ocean floor to ensure our farms meet rigorous environmental standards. The results are publicly available for review.
9. When the federal government orders the eradication of farm animals in any agricultural operation, whether it is a salmon farm, poultry operation or a cattle farm, the government pays compensation to the farmer.

We welcome the opportunity to arrange tours of our salmon farms for Mr. Surette or others who are interested in learning about our industry.
 
Pamela Parker
Executive Director
Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association

ACFFA is an industry-funded association that works on behalf of the salmon farming industry in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.  ACFFA represents 95 per cent of salmon production in the Maritime region in addition to a wide range of supporting companies and organizations. 

Atlantic salmon farmers take part in national research forum

Letang, N.B. – Atlantic Canadian salmon farmers will participate in Canada’s most comprehensive aquaculture science and technology conference this week.

Representatives from the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) and its member companies will attend Aquaculture Canada 2012 in Charlottetown, PEI from May 27-30. Sponsored by the Aquaculture Association of Canada and entitled “New Frontiers: Bridging Technology and Economic Growth,” this conference will bring together industry experts, researchers, producers, veterinarians, students and regulators from across Canada to learn about the latest research and innovation involving Canada’s $2.1 billion aquaculture industry. 

“Atlantic Canadian salmon farmers are huge believers in the importance of new technology and innovation in building our sector. That’s how we have become leaders in this global industry,” says Pamela Parker, Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association. “Our farmers have a long history of working proactively on cutting-edge research and development projects with top scientists, universities and the private sector.”

ACFFA organizes an annual research workshop each fall that highlights the research being conducted in Atlantic Canada, says Parker. Some of this work will be featured in Charlottetown. Our member companies are collaborating on a variety of projects including exploring non-chemical sea lice treatment options like cleaner fish and sea lice traps; pioneering iCage™ technology that reduces the amount of antifoulant used on farms; commercializing Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA); and participating in a variety of initiatives aimed at restoring the diminishing wild salmon populations in this region’s rivers, says Parker.

“Our mission is to promote, support, and encourage educational, scientific, and technological development and advancement of aquaculture in Canada,” says Gail Ryan Executive Director of the Aquaculture Association of Canada. “Our industry members – in both the finfish and shellfish sectors - are keen supporters of our goals and are always working hard to advance and grow this important sector.”

Aquaculture Canada 2012 will include sessions on integrated pest management, fish health, sustainability, advances in fish nutrition, emerging tools in environmental monitoring and coastal and marine spatial planning.

"We’re always looking for ways to grow and improve our industry, and we’re looking forward to hearing from some of Canada’s top aquaculture professionals,” says Parker.

The AtlanticCanada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) is an industry-funded associationworking 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 farmers welcome Nova Scotia Aquaculture Strategy

Letang, N.B. – Nova Scotia’s Aquaculture Strategy is an important step in the development of the province’s sustainable salmon farming sector, says the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association.

“Nova Scotia has an unprecedented opportunity to create jobs and economic growth in its coastal communities by capitalizing on aquaculture’s potential,” says Pamela Parker, Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA). “The strategy released today will help guide the growth of our sector, and we’re really happy to see the Nova Scotia government has a focused plan to do that.”
 
Parker says Atlantic salmon farmers look forward to working collaboratively with the Nova Scotia government and other stakeholders as the strategy is implemented over the next three years.

“We just have to look to New Brunswick and Newfoundland to see the kind of results that strategic planning 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,” says Parker.  “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.”
 
Parker says coastal communities benefit from a diversified economic base that includes aquaculture, traditional fisheries, the recreational fishery and tourism.

“We are committed to a future where our three sectors remain healthy partners in the region’s working waterfront,” says Parker.
 
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

Nova Scotians support Atlantic salmon farming

Atlantic salmon farming is filling a global need for healthy protein and bringing economic prosperity to our region, says the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association.

“It’s unfortunate that a small but vocal group feel the need for an all-or-nothing scenario in Nova Scotia,” says Larry Ingalls, Chair of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA). “The majority of Nova Scotians are supportive of our industry. With over 30 years of farming experience, we know communities can benefit from a diversified economic base that includes both a sustainable salmon farming industry and a traditional fishery along with tourism."

Ingalls says Atlantic fish farmers are looking forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to grow this sector as set out in Nova Scotia’s Aquaculture Strategy released last week.

"Nova Scotia’s Aquaculture Strategy has a multi-stakeholder engagement process as part of its action plan, so all views will be taken into consideration,” says Ingalls.

The majority of Nova Scotians are highly supportive of salmon farming. Public opinion research conducted twice in the past year by Corporate Research Associates confirms that when asked for their level of support for the further development of the aquaculture industry in Nova Scotia (defined as the practice of farming fish), three quarters of residents indicate some level of support (77%), with three-in-ten completely supporting such development (29%).

“By 2030, the world’s population is predicted to increase by another two billion and to eat nearly 70 per cent more fish. There’s a need for healthy protein that traditional agriculture and fisheries just can’t fill,” says Ingalls. "Nova Scotia has an unprecedented opportunity for rural communities to benefit from and realize the potential of a locally-based, globally competitive, sustainable aquaculture industry."

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:
Larry Ingalls
Chair, Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association
Ph: 506-755-3526
Email: Info@atlanticfishfarmers.com

Free salmon farm tours to celebrate St. Andrews Seafood Festival and World Oceans Day

Letang, N.B. – Atlantic salmon farmers will offer free farm tours as part of the 3rd annual St. Andrews Seafood Festival. The tours will also help to celebrate World Oceans Day 2012.

The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association, on behalf of local salmon farmers, will host two complimentary tours on Saturday, June 9 to give the public an opportunity to see how salmon are farmed.

“Come and enjoy some time on the beautiful Bay of Fundy as you discover how Atlantic salmon are farmed,” says Pamela Parker, Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association. "These tours are a great opportunity for people to learn about our sustainable and innovative industry, to celebrate New Brunswick seafood and to mark World Oceans Day. A healthy ocean is an integral part of a healthy farming sector and our farmers’ ability to provide healthy, fresh seafood for families both today and in the future.”

ACFFA representatives will be onboard to provide an overview of the salmon aquaculture industry and to answer questions about the sector. Participants will also get the chance to sample some fresh and delicious Atlantic salmon, courtesy of True North Salmon.

Island Quest Marine boat tours will leave the main wharf in St. Andrews at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, weather permitting. The tours will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Space is limited.

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