December 12, 2018 — SEAFOOD NEWS — The Canadian government announced on Monday that they will be moving forward with initiatives that will ensure that the aquaculture sector is “economically successful and environmentally sustainable.” The initiative is part of Canada’s efforts to not only protect wild salmon, but meet the growing global demand for seafood.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making aquaculture more effective, efficient and environmentally sustainable,” the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, said in a press release.”

Key initiatives include:

-A study on the alternative technologies for aquaculture, including land and sea-based closed containment technology.

-Moving towards an area-based approach to aquaculture management.

-Developing a framework fore aquaculture risk management

-Creating a single comprehensive set of regulations, the General Aquaculture Regulations.

“The development of aquaculture policies that include Indigenous, scientific and seafood producer perspectives are important steps to making sure the people working in our coastal communities have long-term opportunities in sustainable aquaculture production, and that our natural environment and wild species are not placed at risk,” added the Honourable Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture of British Columbia. “I support the collaborative approach that is being adopted and the recognition that alternative technologies have a role to play in the growth of sustainable aquaculture in British Columbia.”

This story was originally published on SeafoodNews.com, a subscription site. It is reprinted with permission.