Canada seeks experts for new aquaculture science committee
“A
successful aquaculture industry is important for feeding the world’s growing
demand for seafood products without putting more pressure on wild stocks” –
Govt. Of Canada
By SeaWestNews
The Government of Canada today reaffirmed
its commitment to implementing evidence based policies relating to aquaculture,
by announcing the creation of an external Advisory Committee on Aquaculture
Science.
It will immediately launch a public process
to choose the five committee members, who will be selected based on their area
of expertise and independence.
The five-member committee will be comprised
of one Canadian scientist, two international scientists, one Indigenous
Canadian representative, and one member at large. It will meet three times a
year.
“Our Government of Canada is committed to
advancing an evidence-based aquaculture sector that is both responsible and
sustainable,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the
Canadian Coast Guard.
“We are taking action to ensure decisions
with respect to aquaculture and resource management are based on sound
scientific advice and support a strong and sustainable fisheries industry for
the future,” he said.
The creation of an independent Advisory
Committee on Aquaculture Science follows the receipt of the 2018 Report on Aquaculture Science
led by Canada’s Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer (pictured).
The 2018 Report of the Independent Expert
Panel on Aquaculture made recommendations to the Fisheries and Oceans
Department about the appropriate use of scientific evidence in risk-based
aquaculture decision-making, the priority-setting process for aquaculture
science, and the communication of aquaculture science and resulting decisions to
Canadians.
A successful aquaculture industry is
important for feeding the world’s growing demand for seafood products without
putting more pressure on wild stocks, said the government in a statement.
“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.”
If you are interested in sitting on the committee, send a letter of 1000 words or less and an overview of professional qualifications and experience to DFO.Science-Sciences.MPO@dfo.mpo.gc.ca by June 30, 2019.
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