NAIA Welcomes New Executive Director
The Newfoundland and Labrador Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) has appointed former Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW) President Keith Sullivan as its Executive Director.
Sullivan, who served as FFAW President from 2014–2022, will represent the interests of seafood farmers and their suppliers in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“I am thrilled to be joining the team of NAIA. The aquaculture industry has such a vital role in our province’s economy, particularly in rural regions,” said Sullivan. “Throughout my career I have been advocating for sustainable development of coastal communities and promoting seafood from Newfoundland and Labrador. Working with the aquaculture industry is an amazing opportunity to work in a community with so much potential to do great things in our province.”
Coalition Calls on Canadian Liberals and Conservatives to Ensure Sustainable Fisheries
The Coalition of Atlantic and Québec Fishing Organizations and the Unified Fisheries Conservation Alliance are calling on the Canadian Liberal and Conservative parties to adhere to several pillars of action to ensure a “sustainable and fair” commercial fishery.
Among these pillars, the group has highlighted the need for clear stances on the fishery from both parties.
“We need more science and less politics in our commercial fishery. Conservation is key to managing our resources. To sustain fish stocks, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans must apply and enforce the same conservation rules for everyone. Fishing seasons ensure top-quality lobster products and sustainable stocks,” said Bobby Jenkins, President of the Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association (PEIFA).
Science-based management of fisheries licences also remained a priority, highlighting the need for a “one licence in, one licence out” approach to managing the commercial fishery. Creating jobs for Indigenous groups was another issue highlighted as one that needed to take priority, regardless of party.
“If the government is serious about creating jobs for Indigenous Peoples, it needs to crack down on the leasing of licences. Indigenous fisheries should focus on creating jobs and opportunities within their own communities,” said Gordon Beaton, President of the Gulf Nova Scotia Fleet Planning Board.
On top of creating more opportunities for Indigenous groups, the group advocated for bringing Indigenous Peoples, commercial fishing organizations and the government together to speak directly on sustainable fisheries management, as well as the need for government to issue public support for a more sustainable fishery.
“2025 will see a federal election and our members will be demanding to know where all the parties and their candidates stand on the issue of a sustainable commercial fishery. The commercial fishery is a critical part of the economy for coastal communities. Respecting and listening to the views of commercial fishermen could very well tip the balance in many ridings,” said Colin Sproul, President of the Unified Fisheries Conservation Alliance (UFCA).
Photo from facebook.com/DiLebouthillier
Canada Approves New Maternal and Parental Leave Measures for Harvesters
Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced that eligible inshore or coastal fish harvesters in Atlantic Canada and Québec will be able to designate a substitute operator to operate a license or licenses in their stead while they care for their new child.
Maternity leave will be available for a maximum of 119 calendar days after the child’s date of birth, adoption or anticipated due date, but eligible pregnant licence holders may request leave at any time once they’ve been confirmed to be pregnant for safety reasons. Parental leave will be available for 245 calendar days from the date of birth or adoption. Unlike employment insurance, the maternity and parental leave will not provide financial benefits.
Requests will be accepted starting January 1, 2025, using the same process which licence holders use when requesting a substitute operator.
Canada and Québec Invest $3 Million in Gaspé Peninsula Projects
Three recipients have received $2,952,485 in funding from Canada and Québec as part of the Québec Fisheries Fund (QFF). The federal government is contributing $2,066,740, while Québec is contributing $885,745.
The first recipient, receiving $2,752,488, is ACGP Innovation, a non-profit that enables fleets in Québec to be outfitted with equipment to outfit their boats for the redfish fishery.
Atkins et Frères Inc. will receive $99,998 for the acquisition of equipment to manufacture fish sausages made from halibut, redfish, lobster and salmon.
The final company, Lelièvre, Lelièvre et Lemoignan ltée. will receive $99,999 to acquire water filtration and recirculation for a breeding tank to “respond to the increase in lobster landings and the labour shortage.”
“Our support for Gaspésie fish harvesters and the fish industry in Québec is essential to ensure its competitiveness and sustainability,” said Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. “The funding announced today will enable our fish harvesters to adapt to many of the challenges of an ever-changing market, and to equip them with the tools they need to resume the redfish fishery. Today, we are taking an important step towards a sustainable and prosperous fishery for Québec’s maritime communities through significant investments for our fish harvesters.”
China Approves Importation of Live Norwegian Snow Crab
Norway has gained approval by China to export live snow crab to the country following political discussions between the two nations.
Alongside snow crab, the talks included plans to explore the approval of other live species such as brown crab, sea urchins and oysters. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority is handling the technical aspects of the approval process.
AquaBounty Shutters Last Salmon Facility in P.E.I.
Biotechnology company AquaBounty announced it will stop production of all genetically modified salmon, and will proceed to close its last facility in Bay Fortune, Prince Edward Island.
The company first released the world’s first genetically modified salmon onto the market in 2017, but announced it does not “have sufficient liquidity to maintain its only remaining operating farm.” As such, the company is now culling the last of its fish. This move come in the wake of a number of investments by the provincial and federal government, of which AquaBounty still owes P.E.I. $1.5 million.
“This struggling company has survived largely due to investor hype along with decades of government funding and the support of the federal policy to deny consumers mandatory labelling of GM food. The company couldn’t make producing GM salmon viable even with all the government subsidies and supportive policies,” said Lucy Sharratt, Coordinator of the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN).
NOAA Announces $100 Million in Funding for Coastal Resilience, Habitat Restoration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries announced the availability of $100 million in funding for projects focusing on “transformational habitat restoration and coastal resilience” projects. NOAA’s new fund is intended to continue to support climate hazard resilience for coastal and Great Lakes communities.
Dedicated funding of up to 15 per cent of the fund is available for U.S. tribes, Alaska Native corporations and tribe-affiliated organizations.
“Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the Department of Commerce has delivered historic amounts of funding for habitat restoration and coastal resilience that will help strengthen the economies of coastal communities across America,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “These investments have been transformative and will continue to support Tribes and communities on the front lines of the climate crisis, sustain our nation’s fisheries and protect ecosystems from the impacts of climate change for years to come.”
OET Appoints LeeWay Marine as Vessel Manager
The Ocean Exploration Trust (OET), best known for discovering the “black smoker” hydrothermal vents and the resting place of the RMS Titanic, has appointed Nova Scotia-based LeeWay Marine as its new vessel manager.
LeeWay Marine, which began its duties on December 13, 2024, will support OET’s 2025 expeditions which include destinations such as Guam, the Solomon Islands and the Marshall Islands.
“The Ocean Exploration Trust is thrilled to partner with LeeWay Marine, whose proven expertise and innovative leadership will ensure the E/V Nautilus remains at the forefront of ocean exploration,” said Allison Fundis, Chief Operating Officer for OET, noting that LeeWay will manage all technical aspects of the vessel, including planned maintenance, drydocking, defect maintenance and capital improvements. “This collaboration enhances our operational capabilities and strengthens our mission to explore and share the mysteries of our ocean. We look forward to a bright future of exploration and discovery together.”
Merger Announced to Form The RopeHub
CoastLine Cordage Group, SGT Knots, and Reconxx have partnered to form The RopeHub, which claimed to represent “a unified platform for innovation and excellence” in the rope industry.
U.S.-based SGT and Reconxx had already partnered to form RopeHub, which has used its 14 years of experience in global supply chain management, distribution and “tailored rope solutions.” CoastLine Cordage, headquartered in Nova Scotia, brings 50 years of rope manufacturing to the table in the new partnership.
“As the founder of RopeHub and SGT Knots, I’ve always believed in the power of partnerships to create opportunities and solve industry challenges,” said Mike Shelley. “This joint venture with CoastLine Cordage is a culmination of years of effort, innovation and vision. By combining CoastLine’s unmatched expertise in braided rope manufacturing with our strength in global supply chain management and e-commerce, we’re setting a new standard for what’s possible in the rope and cordage industry.”
