Ottawa, Ontario - The Government knows the importance of implementing evidence based policies relating to aquaculture. With this in mind, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, will create an external Advisory Committee on Aquaculture Science, and will immediately launch a public process to select Committee members.
This represents a further step in ensuring Fisheries and Oceans Canada has the best and most up to date scientific information to assist in the development of aquaculture policies and decisions. Following receipt of the 2018 Report on Aquaculture Science led by Canada's Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer, Minister Wilkinson committed to building the federal government’s capacity to develop and implement more effective regulations for the Canadian aquaculture industry.
Building on other recent actions, including the creation of the Departmental Science Advisor role and launching the State of Salmon Aquaculture Technology Study, the new Advisory Committee will be comprised of experts in the field who will assist our government in advancing scientifically sound aquaculture policy.
A successful aquaculture industry is important for feeding the world’s growing demand for seafood products without putting more pressure on wild stocks. The use of best practices to ensure that the Canadian aquaculture industry is environmentally sustainable aligns with our government’s commitment to fostering economic growth while effectively protecting our environment.
The new Advisory Committee on Aquaculture Science will be made up of five members, and who will be selected based on their area of expertise and independence. This Committee will be made up of Canadian and international scientific experts, and will also include an Indigenous representative.
Source : Government of Canada