Fisheries and Oceans Canada
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National Aquaculture Strategic
Action Plan Initiative
West Coast Marine Finfish Sector
Strategic Action Plan
2011–2015
December 16, 2010
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Governance
- Aquaculture Management
- Navigable Waters Protection Act
- Other Regulatory and Governance Issues
- Social Licence and Reporting
- Public Engagement and Communications
- First Nations and Other Aboriginal Groups
- Productivity and Competitiveness
- Fish Health
- Aquatic Invasive Species
- Emerging Technologies
- Aquatic Feeds
- Alternative Species Development
- Risk Management and Access to Financing
- Infrastructure
- Marketing and Certification
- Labour and Skills Development
- Appendix 1 — List of Acronyms
INTRODUCTION
The National Aquaculture Strategic Action Plan Initiative (NASAPI) is a collaborative exercise led by the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (CCFAM) to enhance and advance economically, environmentally and socially sustainable aquaculture development in all regions of the country. For additional information regarding the initiative, refer to the overarching NASAPI document (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/aquaculture-eng.htm). The initiative includes five strategic actions plans that pertain to the five regionally distinct aquaculture sectors in Canada: East Coast marine finfish, East Coast shellfish, national freshwater, West Coast marine finfish and West Coast shellfish. Although the action items outlined herein are specific to the marine finfish aquaculture sector, implementation of this action plan should remain consistent with the vision, objectives and guiding principles of the initiative’s overarching document.
The strategic action plans outline areas where efforts are required to improve public governance of aquaculture and private operations (although not all of the action items within the plans necessarily apply to all provinces and territories). Effective, well-communicated governance enhances public confidence in government oversight of industry activities, leading to an improved social licence—and in turn, to increased investor confidence in aquaculture, which will stimulate responsible and sustainable growth that creates economic prosperity.
Responsibility for the implementation of the strategic action plans lies principally with the bilateral Federal–Provincial Aquaculture MOU Management Committees. For those actions that are national in scope, the CCFAM Strategic Management Committee will assume a lead role in implementation. The following principles will guide the implementation process:
- Each government partner shall remain accountable to its jurisdiction.
- Using a collaborative decision-making process, the Federal–Provincial/Territorial Bilateral Aquaculture MOU Management Committees will prioritize actions, agree upon time frames and coordinate implementation efforts.
- Implementation will occur in accordance with the resources available within each jurisdiction where agreed upon - i.e., the process is intended to help direct resources toward areas of need and priority within each province/territory.
- Performance measurement will facilitate implementation by helping to keep the plan(s) current and by identifying constraints.
GOVERNANCE
Within the federal government, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is the lead agency for aquaculture development. As such, part of DFO's mandate is to create the conditions necessary to support a vibrant and innovative aquaculture sector. Several other federal departments and agencies are involved in the management of aquaculture in Canada. Most notably, these include the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Environment Canada, Health Canada and Transport Canada. The provinces and territories also play substantive roles in the development and management of aquaculture. The NASAPI presents an opportunity, where practicable, to develop a more harmonized, single-window approach to aquaculture management.
Aquaculture Management
In February 2009, the British Columbia Supreme Court (BCSC) ruled that the activity of aquaculture is a fishery which falls under federal jurisdiction pursuant to sub-section 91(12) of the Constitution Act, 1867 - Sea Coast and Inland Fisheries. Nevertheless, the Province of British Columbia still plays an important role in sustainable aquaculture development, specifically with regard to granting land-use (site) tenures. In response to the court ruling, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has committed to establish a federal regulatory regime governing aquaculture pursuant to the Fisheries Act in the geographic area of British Columbia and along the Pacific coast. When brought into force, the comprehensive Pacific Aquaculture Regulations will have a significant and direct impact on the aquaculture management in BC.
Action Items - Aquaculture Management |
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Potential Contributors |
Actions |
Suggested Timeframe 1 |
Status |
AM-1 - Implement the Pacific Aquaculture Regulations (PAR) |
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DFO |
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Year 1 |
On-going |
AM-2 – Through discussion with pertinent parties and stakeholders, refine the necessary program policies, and guidelines to provide detailed guidance regarding management decision-making with respect to aquaculture |
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DFO |
- Develop, for example:
|
Year 1 |
On-going |
AM-3 – Through advisory structures and other mechanisms, engage pertinent parties and stakeholders in the refinement of necessary integrated management plans, public reporting, and other operational documentation to manage for the sector |
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DFO |
- Develop, for example:
|
Year 2 |
On-going |
AM-4 - To continuously improve the regulatory framework, support R&D pertaining to environmental effects and management in aquaculture |
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DFO / British Columbia, |
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Year 1 |
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Navigable Waters Protection Act
Most suspension (floating) aquaculture structures require approval under the Navigable Water Protection Act (NWPA) because they have the potential to interfere with navigation. The requirement for an NWPA approval may also trigger a federal environmental assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act if the project is considered likely to cause substantial navigational interference.
The NASAPI has identified an opportunity for Transport Canada to introduce a more standardized approach for site reviews and navigational marking requirements for aquaculture works. Renewed site review and operational guidelines will improve consistency and interpretation amongst regional reviewers and level the playing field for producers. Efforts should also be made to extend the approval period beyond five years, with longer approvals and simplified renewal procedures for compliant operators.
Action Items - Navigable Waters |
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Potential Contributors |
Actions |
Suggested Timeframe |
Status |
NWPA-1 - Review and renew national policies and guidelines for aquaculture site applications under the NWPA |
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DFO, Transport Canada, Industry, British Columbia, other stakeholders |
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Year 1
Year 1
Year 1 |
On-going
On-going
On-going |
Other Regulatory and Governance Issues
Other regulatory and governance issues exist within the aquaculture sector, as outlined in the following chart. Among these, the rights and obligations of aquaculturists under the existing legislative and regulatory regime should be better defined with respect to property rights, public rights of access to waters near aquaculture sites, First Nations and aboriginal rights, etc. The NASAPI presents an opportunity to address and resolve these matters as well.
Action Items - Other Regulatory & Governance Issues |
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Potential Contributors |
Actions |
Suggested Timeframe |
Status |
ORI-1 - Identify the rights, privileges and obligations of aquaculturists operating in public waters |
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DFO, British Columbia, Industry |
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Year 1 |
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SOCIAL LICENCE AND REPORTING
Public Engagement and Communications
This action plan outlines means to improve private operations and public governance within the sector to advance the environmental and social sustainability, as well as the international competitiveness, of Canadian aquaculture. Assuming these action items are implemented effectively, the industry’s social licence should improve - but only if First Nations, aboriginal groups, community interests and the general public are aware of the progress within the sector. Therefore, timely and transparent communications as well as active community engagement are necessary to disseminate information about the economic, social and environmental sustainability of Canadian aquaculture. As part of the NASAPI, DFO, in collaboration with Statistics Canada and the provinces/territories, will compile an annual progress report entitled Aquaculture Sustainability Reporting Initiative, which will objectively present the economic, environmental and social sustainability of Canadian aquaculture.
Considering the broad array of user groups and the overlay of public and private interests in the aquatic environment, a broad policy perspective and public support are essential for effective aquaculture development planning. To be effective, planning initiatives must reflect an ecological perspective to spatial boundaries on a watershed basis, taking into consideration the interests of all users. The NASAPI presents an opportunity to develop and implement a cooperative planning approach to identify areas within Canada's coastal zone where aquaculture development can be optimized. Governments can play a variety of catalytic roles, including policy development, providing financial contributions to stimulate progress, and contributing to the science base required for aquatic resource mapping.
Action Items – Public Engagement & Communications |
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Potential Contributors |
Actions |
Suggested Timeframe |
Status |
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SL-1 - Establish transparent information sharing system to facilitate aquaculture reporting |
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DFO, British Columbia, |
|
Year 1
|
On-going
On going
On going |
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SL-2 - Research and prepare regional aquatic resource maps to optimize aquaculture development in public waters in a manner that is respectful of the interests of other resource user groups |
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DFO |
|
Year 2
Year 1
Year 2 |
On-going
On-going in some areas
On-going |
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SL-3 – Continue to advance industry-led communications strategies to effectively disseminate objective information about aquaculture technologies and practices |
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Industry |
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Year 1 |
On-going |
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FIRST NATIONS AND OTHER ABORIGINAL GROUPS
Sustainable aquaculture development has proved beneficial to several First Nations communities. Aquaculture presents an opportunity to supplement limited harvest volumes from the food fishery, address nutrition and human health issues by providing a source of wholesome foods, and improve the social situation. Today, First Nations and aboriginal communities are engaged in aquaculture development throughout Canada. Several First Nations, such as Kitasoo/Xiaxias on the central coast of British Columbia, Aundeck Omni Kaning on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Mi’kmaq in Nova Scotia, and Miawpukek in Newfoundland, have elected to become directly engaged in aquaculture production to generate employment and prosperity in their communities.
In contrast, some other First Nations have been more reluctant to become involved in aquaculture as they are uncertain about the effects of aquaculture development or do not have the capacity to evaluate and implement opportunities in aquaculture. Still other communities are opposed to aquaculture development within their traditional territories. Nevertheless, First Nations and other aboriginal communities have access to some of the best sites for aquaculture development in Canada, and many have an undeniable need for sustainable economic development opportunities. Furthermore, the current participation of aboriginal communities in aquaculture is not commensurate with the opportunities available. Aboriginal aquaculture development is often precluded by insufficient awareness of potential opportunities, misinformation regarding the environmental effects of aquaculture, the lack of capacity to develop opportunities, and difficulty with accessing capital.
The NASAPI presents an opportunity to further engage First Nations and aboriginal communities in aquaculture development by making it easier to evaluate opportunities in the sector.
Action Items - Aboriginal Engagement in Aquaculture |
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Potential Contributors |
Actions |
Suggested Timeframe |
Status |
AEA-1 - Explore mechanisms and strategies for engaging aboriginal peoples in the implementation of NASAPI and generate awareness of opportunities for expanded engagement in aquaculture development amongst First Nations and other aboriginal groups |
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DFO |
- Encourage and support aboriginal engagement in aquaculture development through:
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Year 4 |
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AEA–2. Help develop the capacity of First Nations and aboriginal communities to provide meaningful input into the aquaculture site review and assessment process |
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DFO, First Nations, Other Aboriginal Groups |
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Year 3 |
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PRODUCTIVITY AND COMPETITIVENESS
Fish Health
Fish health and animal welfare are pivotal concerns for the aquaculture industry. Poor health and disease increase the cost of production, decrease revenue (because of higher mortality rates, reduced growth, and inferior product quality), and compromise public confidence. In some regions of Canada, the capacity to deliver effective fish health management programs is compromised by the small size of the aquaculture sector. Consequently, the capacity to diagnose disease events and administer appropriate treatment and/or management measures can be inadequate. In some regions, this has weakened controls governing potential vectors for pathogen transfer and compromised research into diseases of commercial relevance.
Under the leadership of the CFIA, in partnership with DFO and with the support of the CCFAM, the National Aquatic Animal Health Program (NAAHP) has been launched to better manage serious infectious diseases among aquatic animals in order to protect Canadian aquatic animal resources and to facilitate trade of aquatic animals along with their products and by-products, both nationally and internationally. Amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations and the Reportable Diseases Regulations, and to proposed and existing regulations under the Fisheries Act, are intended to streamline the regulatory management of fish diseases. The NAAHP has the mandate to prevent the introduction and spread of serious pathogens associated with live animals, products, by-products and other elements through (i) mandatory notification of disease; (ii) emergency disease response; (iii) import controls; (iv) zonation; and (v) national movement permits. The NAAHP also facilitates trade internationally through an export certification program for aquatic animal health, and will do so nationally through a voluntary Facility Recognition Program. Support activities for the NAAHP include surveillance, risk assessment, diagnostic laboratory services and regulatory research.
Vaccination against infectious diseases plays a key role in assuring the sustainability of the aquaculture industry. Vaccines help to reduce the use of antibiotics, and may indirectly help reduce the incidence of disease transmission between wild and farmed fish. Continued efforts are required to improve the quality of vaccines, and of vaccine administration methods, in order to increase the effectiveness of vaccination and facilitate the low-cost mass vaccination of farmed fish.
Clearly, fish health protection and management is a complex undertaking. The NASAPI presents an opportunity for industry and governments to cooperate more effectively to implement proposed changes to the federal and provincial fish health management regimens.
Action Items - Fish Health |
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Potential Contributors |
Actions |
Suggested Timeframe |
Status |
FH-1 - Evaluate the scope of health services available to industry in each province / territory, including the costs associated with these services |
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CFIA, DFO, British Columbia |
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Year 1 |
On-going by CFIA; DFO and CFIA to further refine this initiative |
FH-2 - Prepare a regional or provincial/territorial Fish Health Management Strategy to coordinate fish health management procedures throughout the sector and provide a living compendium of the principal fish health issues in the sector |
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DFO, British Columbia, CFIA, HC, Industry, Third-party Auditors |
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Year 1 Year 1
Year 3
Year 3
Year 1 Year 3 |
On-going |
|
FH-3 - Propose regulations under the Fisheries Act to enable administration of drugs and pest control products in aquaculture for fish pathogen and pest treatment within the conservation & protection mandate of the Act (i.e. s.35) |
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DFO |
|
Year 1 |
On-going |
FH-4 - Outline a minor-use program for aquaculture to enable access to therapeutic agents and pesticides approved in other jurisdictions or for other animal purposes |
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HC, VDD, PMRA, |
|
Year 2
|
On-going |
FH-5 - Continue to develop and implement aquatic animal health measures through the NAAHP |
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CFIA |
|
Year 1
Year 1
Year 2 |
On-going
On-going |
Aquatic Invasive Species
Aquatic invasive species are defined as "fish, animal, and plant species that have been introduced into a new aquatic ecosystem and are having harmful consequences for the natural resources in the native aquatic ecosystem and/or the human use of the resource" 3 and which have not become naturalized. Identified vectors for transferring invasive species in aquatic environments include attachment to ship/boat hulls, transfer through ballast water, the use of live bait, aquarium/water garden trade, live food fish, and the movement of fisheries and aquaculture gear and products.4
Once an invasive species has become established in an area, it becomes essential to develop innovative technologies and practices to effectively manage it. The NASAPI presents an opportunity to enhance measures to manage aquatic invasive species, which continue to be a nuisance to aquaculture operations and impose additional operating costs.
Action Items - Aquatic Invasive Species |
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Potential Contributors |
Actions |
Suggested Timeframe |
Status |
AIS-1 - Outline a regulation under the Fisheries Act to enable administration of products and procedures for prevention and management of aquatic invasive species in aquaculture |
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DFO |
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Year 3 |
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AIS-2 - Enhance research, communications and biosecurity related to aquatic invasive species |
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British Columbia, |
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Year 1
Year 1
Year 3 |
On-going |
AIS-3 - Adopt an approach for management of aquatic invasive species that have not become naturalized |
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Provinces - Territories |
|
Year 1 Year 3 |
On-going On-going |
Emerging Technologies
Measures to improve sustainability and prosperity in aquaculture are driven largely by the application of innovative technologies. Looking toward the future development and expansion of aquaculture, there are several areas that warrant additional investment in innovation. The NASAPI presents an opportunity to address the following needs within the west coast marine finfish aquaculture sector.
Action Items - Emerging Technologies |
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Potential Contributors |
Actions |
Suggested Timeframe |
Status |
ET-2 - Quantify the environmental footprint, (e.g. carbon footprint, water quality impacts, sediments, chemicals, antibiotics, pesticides, nutrient loading, escapes, disease, etc.) of aquaculture subsectors and identify areas where investment into green technologies is most pertinent |
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DFO, Provinces - Territories |
|
Year 1
Year 2 |
On going |
ET-3 - Invest in research and development to advance commercial closed-containment aquaculture (CCA) systems and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) |
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DFO |
|
Year 1
Year 1
Year 3
Year 1
Year 5 |
On-going
|
ET-67 - Advance development and implementation of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) |
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Industry |
|
Year 1
|
On-going |
ET-9 - Improve productivity and efficiency through enhanced net pen technologies and practices. |
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Industry |
|
Year 1
Year 1
Year 2
|
On-going
On-going |
Aquatic Feeds
A nutritionally complete and balanced diet that meets the needs of fish for growth and health is essential to produce a wholesome, quality product. Moreover, feed is the ultimate source of faeces and other metabolic waste by-products in fish culture operations. Thus, feed and feeding strategy have a determining influence on the environmental effects of an aquaculture operation. Additionally, since feed typically accounts for 40 to 60 per cent of the cost of growing fish, feeding strategy is also a significant factor in the financial viability of an aquaculture venture.
Being piscivorous species, salmon and trout require fish meals and oils in their diets for optimal performance. The aquatic feed sector is working to develop more efficient and effective diets using a larger component of agriculture-based inputs as part of a continuous improvement initiative to reduce the overall cost of feeds and to mitigate public concerns regarding ‘feeding fish to fish.’ Similarly, the industry is also developing diets tailored specifically for recirculation and cage-culture operations. The federal Feeds Act mandates specified ranges for several nutrients used in aquatic diets. Diets having nutrient formulations outside of these ranges face a cumbersome regulatory registration process, which stifles innovation for development of improved diets for current production species as well as development of diets for emerging species. In some cases, the minimum nutrient level (e.g., phosphorus) is higher than the current minimum nutrient requirements of the species, which can make the diets less environmentally friendly.
The NASAPI presents an opportunity to advance technologies, management strategies and regulations that could improve the sustainability of aquaculture operations through better feeds and feeding practices.
Action Items - Aquatic Feeds |
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Potential Contributors |
Actions |
Suggested Timeframe |
Status |
AF-1 - Support R&D to improve the quality and availability of aquafeeds in Canada |
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Industry |
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Year 1
Year 3 Year 3 Year 5 |
On-going
On-going On-going On-going |
AF-2 - Develop predictive models for environmental performance based on feed formulation and utilization |
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Universities |
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Year 3 |
On-going |
AF-3 - Develop a proposal for a ‘modernized aquafeeds regulatory framework’ |
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Industry / ANAC |
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Year 1
Year 1 |
On-going
On-going |
Alternative Species Development
An industry is loosely defined as a group of companies producing more or less the same product using more or less the same processes and generating a profit. While not all ventures may be successful, collectively, the sector is generally profitable. By this measure, there are only a handful of industrial aquaculture sectors in Canada: salmon, trout, oysters, mussels and clams. On the other hand, there are many alternative species that are purported to have commercial potential. Successful commercialization of these alternative species for which the foundational research is complete requires a focused effort to overcome the last remaining challenges so that their production becomes commonplace.
Current fiscal challenges warrant a rational process to advance the diversification of the industry on a regional basis. Therefore, targeting resources strategically on a select number of emerging species with the greatest potential for economic viability is a practical industry diversification strategy. The status of various species purported to be feasible for commercial aquaculture has been assessed, leading to a prioritized list of species for further development. The goal of NASAPI is to advance commercial aquaculture development for these targeted species within a five-year horizon. The initiative does not preclude ongoing research into other potential species that are not yet sufficiently advanced for commercial-scale development. 8 Specific action plans for the prioritized west coast marine finfish species follow.
Action Items - Alternative Species (West Coast Marine Finfish) |
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Potential Contributors |
Actions |
Suggested Timeframe |
Status |
AS-1 – Foster development of commercially-viable sablefish (black cod) aquaculture |
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Industry |
- Prepare a comprehensive business case and developmental plan for sablefish (black cod) aquaculture that includes a review of the following factors:
- The development plan could include but not limited to the following:
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Year 1 |
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Risk Management and Access to Financing
Aquaculture is often still perceived as a high-risk industry. Many investors lack confidence in the industry, so debt and equity financing can be difficult and expensive to attract. This is particularly true for smaller producers such as those in the shellfish sector. Developing a more attractive investment climate for producers of all sizes is imperative, which is why it is important that both industry and governments define measures to quantify and reduce the risks inherent to aquaculture. For example, while many operations currently implement robust best management practices (BMPs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to mitigate risk, these practices are not yet universal. Moreover, until these and other practices, such as benchmarking,9 become routine in the sector, it will be difficult to secure more affordable insurance coverage.
Consequently, producers are encumbered by high insurance premiums, inadequate insurance coverage, or no coverage at all.
Action Items - Risk Management & Access to Financing |
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Potential Contributors |
Actions |
Target |
Status |
FIN-1 - Develop standardized operating procedures in all west coast marine finfish sectors |
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Industry
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Year 1 Year 3
Year 2 |
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FIN-3 - Continue to invest in programming to overcome the challenges with the financing of scale-up and expansion projects in aquaculture |
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Seafood Value-Chain Roundtable, Federal / Provincial-Territorial Governments |
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Year 1 |
On-going |
Infrastructure
Infrastructure comprises the core assets that support an economy by providing for communities’ and industries’ developmental and operational needs. It includes systems for water supply and treatment, energy, communications networks, transportation (roads, waterways, wharves, ports), etc. Infrastructure is also required to support the generation of knowledge to advance sustainable development (e.g. R&D capacity).
Although there have been preliminary efforts to identify requirements for aquaculture-specific infrastructure (ASI), a formal planning process to identify ASI requirements has not occurred. As a result, aquaculture development relies largely on infrastructure established for other purposes. Furthermore, the rural and often remote locations of aquaculture operations sometimes leave producers without adequate basic infrastructure to develop and efficiently operate their businesses. Such limitations inhibit daily operations, increase production costs, and create barriers to development. The NASAPI presents an opportunity to target infrastructure needs within the aquaculture sector in an effort to secure investment to advance sustainable aquaculture across the country.
Action Items - Infrastructure |
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Potential Contributors |
Actions |
Suggested Timeframe |
Status |
INF-1 - Prioritize wharf infrastructure requirements in British Columbia |
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Industry |
|
Year 1
Year 1 |
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INF-2 - Stimulate investment in other general infrastructure to support aquaculture development |
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Industry,
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Year 1
Year 2 |
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Marketing and Certification
Demand for fish and seafood in domestic and international markets is driven largely by consumer perception of product quality, food safety and value. Assurances of environmentally sustainable production, socially acceptable resource use, adherence to stringent food safety protocols, and farm-to-market traceability for all products are increasingly sought by consumers and seafood buyers looking for independent verification of attributes beyond what would be certified by governments. As a result, and as evidenced by the emergence of high-profile eco-labelling and quality assurance programs, responsible certification systems with third-party compliance audits are increasingly important in the fish and seafood sector. Currently, however, the Canadian aquaculture industry operates under a variety of certification and product traceability systems. In the not-too-distant future, it is conceivable that producers and processors will be required to comply with one or more international certification programs to maintain market access.
For some Canadian aquaculture products, there has been insufficient effort directed toward generic market promotion. Producers and processors in some sectors are often unwilling to support such initiatives if they are not supported by all players. As a result, it has been difficult to increase demand and prices for aquaculture products. Additionally, some parts of the Canadian aquaculture sector are still largely focused on the production and sale of commodity products. Value-added products comprise only a small proportion of total output. The NASAPI presents an opportunity for producers, with government support, to review emerging market certification programs. It is also believed that generic marketing efforts will help to improve prosperity and stability within the sector.
Action Items - Marketing & Certification |
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Potential Contributors |
Actions |
Suggested Timeframe |
Status |
MC-1 - Support industry to adopt international aquaculture certification programs |
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Industry |
|
Year 1
Year 2 |
On-going |
MC-2 - Develop and implement generic marketing programs for aquaculture commodity products |
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Industry |
|
Year 2 |
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Labour and Skills Development
Aquaculture is often cited as offering the potential to attract or retain youth in coastal and rural communities by providing meaningful, resource-based employment. This is the case in several areas of the country (e.g. Vancouver Island, southwest New Brunswick). In other areas, however, it is difficult for aquaculture operations to attract labour; the land-based trout farming and shellfish sectors are two examples. To stay competitive, aquaculture requires a trained skilled and semi-skilled workforce.
The NASAPI presents an opportunity to re-examine the sector’s labour needs as well as the training and skills development programs offered by community colleges and universities throughout the country.
Action Items - Labour & Skills Development |
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Potential Contributors |
Actions |
Suggested Timeframe |
Status |
LSD-1 - Outline human resource strategies and programs leading toward a well-trained and productive workforce |
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Industry, British Columbia, Academic Institutions, HRSDC, NRC-IRAP |
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Year 2
Year 2 |
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APPENDIX 1 — LIST OF ACRONYMS
1Within the tables, a time frame has been suggested for completion of all action items within the strategic objective. Inevitably, some action items will be completed on a faster schedule than others, even within the same strategic objective. The final time frames will be reviewed and agreed upon by each of the MOU Management Committees.
2 “Other stakeholders” are collectively referred to within the scope of potential contributors; they may include environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs), communities, regional interest groups, otherm resource users, etc.
3 Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (CCFAM) Aquatic Invasive Species Task Group (2004). A Canadian Action Plan to Address the Threat of Aquatic Invasive Species, 26 p.
4 Ramsay, A., J. Davidson, T. Landry and G. Arsenault (2008). Process of invasiveness among exotic tunicates in Prince Edward Island, Canada. J. Biological Invasions 10:1311–1316.
5 Closed-containment is a term used to describe a range of technologies that attempt to restrict and control interactions between farmed fish and the external aquatic environment with the goal of minimizing impacts and creating greater control over factors in aquaculture production.
6 Recirculating aquaculture systems utilize intensive filtration processes to enable more than 90 per cent of total process water to be continually reused within the system.
7 The numbering of some Strategic Objectives will not be in order. This is deliberate to maintain consistency with the other NASAPI sector reports and to facilitate performance monitoring and management during implementation.
8 For example, rockfish species have been targeted as a potential aquaculture species in British Columbia. The NASAPI is not intended to preclude research into the potential development of regionally specific species.
9 Benchmarking is the process of comparing the operational performance of one company against the overall average performance of companies in a sector. Based on defined metrics (e.g., feed conversion, cumulative mortality, size at harvest, environmental performance, energy consumption, etc.), the process enables managers to identify where their own operations fall below industry norms, thus establishing a strategic process that enables all participants to identify where they are less efficient and/or competitive. In this way, benchmarking facilitates planning and decision-making for continuous process and performance improvement in a sector.
