Next step in regulation transfer a welcome one
BCSFA News Release, Dec. 10, 2010
Today's signing of a memorandum of understanding between the provincial and federal governments is a welcome next step in the transfer of aquaculture regulations to the federal government, said the BC Salmon Farmers Association.
Federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Gail Shea and provincial Minister of Agriculture Ben Stewart signed the memorandum of understanding Friday for the regulatory transfer, which will officially occur Dec. 18.
"We welcome the new regulations and are glad to see the two levels of government working together to provide a stable operational environment for the BC aquaculture industry," said Mary Ellen Walling, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Famers Association.
While the BCSFA hasn't yet seen the MOU and its contents, they have provided feedback into the Pacific Aquaculture Regulations during the public consultation period and are happy to see the final regulations posted in Canada Gazette this week.
The BC industry feels the new regulations will help to better streamline management of the industry allowing regulators and business to look at other operational opportunities.
"Our industry has developed into the successful and sustainable business that it is in part due to the hard work of our provincial regulators - we look forward to continuing that forward motion with our new federal colleagues," said Walling.
While there is more to be done as these new regulations are implemented, the work so far by DFO and the province is important. Industry passes along its congratulations to all for the hard work.
BC's salmon farming industry employs 6,000 people directly and indirectly and contribute $800-million to the provincial economy. Farmed Atlantic salmon is the province's largest agricultural export.
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DFO Assumes Broader Stewardship Role for the BC Aquaculture Industry
Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Dec. 10, 2010
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is ready to assume a broader stewardship and management role for the British Columbia aquaculture industry. DFO is taking action on the federal government’s commitment to fostering a sustainable aquaculture industry and establishing a new regulatory regime for the cultivation of fish in British Columbia.
On December 18, 2010, DFO will assume regulation of the aquaculture industry in BC related to the licensing of marine finfish, shellfish and freshwater aquaculture, including enhancement facilities. A strong regulatory framework will provide operational certainty, consistency and clarity while assuring the environment will be protected.”
While DFO will be expanding its role in the management of aquaculture activities, the provincial government will continue to be an active partner and continue to issue tenures where operations take place in either the marine or freshwater environment, licence marine plant cultivation, and manage business aspects of aquaculture such as work place health and safety within the province.
The British Columbia aquaculture industry provides an estimated 6,000 jobs and over $224 million in wages for British Columbians. Salmon farming specifically has grown to take its place as the province's largest agricultural export, generating $800 million in economic output. Cultured shellfish production has reached 7,200 tonnes with a landed value of $15.7m.
Canada - British Columbia Agreement on Aquaculture Management (ministerial speech)
Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia Sign Agreement on Aquaculture Management (news release)
Backgrounder:
Canada-BC Agreement on Aquaculture Management
Pacific Aquaculture Regulations
B.C. Aquaculture Regulatory Program
Aquaculture Licences and Conditions of Licence
New Federal British Columbia Aquaculture Regulatory Management Regime (presentation)
"Pacific Aquaculture Regulations Now Come Into Force" (Web statement)
