Archived – Canada Participates in AquaNor 2009 Conference in Trondheim, Norway

August 27, 2009

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Ottawa, ON - The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, led a delegation of federal and provincial government representatives, in conjunction with several members from the Canadian aquaculture industry, at AquaNor 2009 this past week.

AquaNor is the largest, aquaculture tradeshow in the northern hemisphere and is held biannually in Trondheim, Norway. This year, the show ran from August 18-21.

“Our Government believes that the best way to foster a sustainable aquaculture industry is to work together with all stakeholders, including producers, coastal communities, Aboriginal and environmental groups, and exporters and importers,” Minister Shea stated at a Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) sponsored workshop on aquaculture certification, which was attended by numerous international industry and government stakeholders.

Minister Shea met with several of her political counterparts during the four-day conference including: Norway’s Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs, Helga Pedersen; the Chilean Vice-Minister of Fisheries, Jorge Chocair; the Scottish Minister of Environment, Roseanna Cunningham; and the Brazilian Minister of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Altemir Gregolin.  At these meetings, ministers discussed issues of common interest related to the aquaculture industry including innovative technologies, environmental performance and collaborative scientific research projects.

While at AquaNor, Minister Shea hosted a luncheon for a group of Norwegian investors. The luncheon’s 16 invitees, representing present and potential investors in Canadian aquaculture, were urged by the Minister to continue to support Canadian aquaculture products and to highlight numerous opportunities for investment in current and innovative ventures in Canada.

“The Government of Canada recognizes that the aquaculture industry is destined to play an increasingly important economic role in the country’s prosperity. The industry already generates tens of thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in exports each year. International demand for farmed fish, shellfish and marine plants continues to grow quickly and Canada is well positioned to take advantage of this growth," said Minister Shea.

Canada was also well represented during the tradeshow at the Canadian pavilion providing the opportunity for numerous Canadian exhibitors to display their published materials, answer questions and meet with potential investors.  The Canadian Embassy also hosted a Seafood Reception for 150 international guests to feature the variety and high-quality farmed fish and seafood that the Canadian aquaculture industry offers.

Aquaculture organizations arrange other events around the show to maximize participation. This year, the European Aquaculture Society held Aquaculture Europe from August 14-17, the Aquaculture Biosecurity Conference took place from August 17-18, and, the International Salmon Farmers Association held a workshop entitled “Riding the Crest" on August 20.  All events were held in the AquaNor host city, Trondheim.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Scott Cantin
Media Relations Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-993-5413

Josh Zanin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474

Canadian booth at the AquaNor tradeshow.

Minister Gail Shea with the Atlantic Canada delegation lead by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

(from left to right) Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, accompanied by Roseanna Cunningham, Scottish Minister of the Environment, and His Majesty King Harald V of Norway.

Minister Gail Shea addressing participants at a DFO-sponsored workshop on aquaculture certification.