In Harbour Breton, the fish plant had a bustling week handling the remaining fish from a recent incident involving Mowi Canada East that resulted in the loss of approximately 400,000 salmon. The local support for the aquaculture industry in the Coast of Bays remains unwavering.
The aquaculture sector, along with its associated service providers, plays a crucial role in creating numerous job opportunities in the rural communities along Newfoundland’s south coast, contributing significantly to the local economy. According to Harbour Breton’s Deputy Mayor Roy Drake, while traditional fisheries like crab and lobster still exist, aquaculture stands out as the primary pillar supporting the industry currently.
Established over two decades ago, the aquaculture industry in the region has been a key employer despite facing challenges. In 2019, Mowi reported the removal of 2.6 million deceased fish from its sites in southern Newfoundland. More recently, an incident near Harbour Breton led to the death of around 400,000 fish due to a thermocline inversion, as explained by Mowi Canada East.
Despite setbacks like these, confidence in the aquaculture industry remains strong, with Drake expressing optimism about its growth potential. Fabian Manning Jr., the owner of 360 Marine Ltd. in Harbour Breton, emphasized the industry’s vital role in the local economy and the need to support it for the region’s prosperity.
Manning acknowledged the industry’s challenges in public perception but highlighted its importance, mentioning that similar incidents occur in various agricultural sectors worldwide. He emphasized the need for collaboration to ensure the industry’s sustainable growth, creating opportunities for future generations in rural Newfoundland.
Looking ahead, Manning sees potential for further aquaculture projects in the region and hopes for a shift in public perception to support industry development. Despite Mowi’s reluctance to comment on the recent incident, the company aims to process the live salmon harvested promptly.
Overall, stakeholders emphasize the importance of working together to navigate challenges and ensure a thriving aquaculture sector that benefits the economy, environment, and community, emphasizing the necessity of unity for progress.
