We have all the necessary elements in Canada for a successful aquaculture sector. We have good biophysical potential with the longest coastline in the world. We have good water quality, and a skilled workforce. It is now up to us to create the conditions for this sector to continue to fill the gap in the production of fish for food. FAO is predicting a shortfall of 55M tonnes of fish by the year 2025.
Aquaculture is poised to make up the difference.
I encourage you all to work with our office on our priorities, and commit to demonstrating to everyone opposed to aquaculture, that this sector can be a model of sustainable development. Aquaculture is ready to enter the new millennium as an industry that is respectful of the environment and capable of creating much needed economic opportunities in rural and coastal communities of Canada.