Canada’s aquaculture strategy moves to next phase

The National Aquaculture Development Strategy for Canada is a coordinated project to develop and grow the farmed seafood industry in Canada. The focus of the strategy is to achieve regulatory, legislative and policy and programme reform, returning growth and improved competitiveness to both the finfish and shellfish sectors.

Phase I of the project (April 2012-March 2014) yielded demonstrable, positive results. The Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) successfully moved beyond explaining and documenting why government needs to act. Through the collective efforts of the Government Relations and Technical Committees, and with the strong support of an experienced consultant team, CAIA has secured senior political and bureaucratic support across federal and provincial government for the goals and objectives of the National Strategy.

During CAIA's November 2013 Annual General Meeting, members expressed their strong support for the work accomplished to date and agreed there was value in sustained engagement. It was therefore agreed that CAIA would continue on to Phase 2 for the National Strategy.