Dr. Mona Nema
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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