How do you picture the aquaculture industry developing in the next decade?
Fisheries management has two fundamental goals, both science-based: (1) protecting biodiversity and the ecological processes that underlie marine ecosystems and the fishery; and (2) managing commercial species through the precautionary approach. Management decisions will be based on these goals and not on regional employment or political considerations.
I would work to move open-net fish farms to land immediately. Although there is increasing proof that ocean-based closed-containment farms are economically viable, any concentrated animal feedlot operation (CAFO), on land or in the ocean, is eventually damaging to the environment and to animal and human health. I would support the owners and workers to implement more sustainable models on land that would employ as many or more people, contribute to local food security and develop waste management plans that could create other revenue streams.
Wastes from the open-net operations, along with other kinds of pollution, contaminate shellfish and thus affect the profit and jobs associated with that industry. Pollution also has adverse effects on the jobs in wilderness, eco- and other tourism and on First Nations and other fisheries.
Green Party of Canada policies to establish marine habitat reserves large enough to revive and sustain stocks of marine life of all species through their complete life cycles; to apply the precautionary principle; and to split
the Department of Fisheries & Oceans into three distinct areas of responsibility (Management; Monitoring & Enforcement; & Research) will serve to ensure that all aquaculture operations serve all Canadians – safely, economically and through the generations.