Grieg Aquaculture Applications Raise Alarm for Placentia Bay Fish Harvesters

Grieg Aquaculture Applications Raise Alarm for Placentia Bay Fish Harvesters

May 3, 2019

Yesterday afternoon, FFAW-Unifor was notified of three applications by Grieg Aquaculture for sites east of Merasheen Island in Placentia Bay. FFAW-Unifor is calling on the provincial government to not to move forward with any project approval until government has pursued a proper consultation process with fish harvesters, as this project may put the livelihood of harvesters in the area at risk.

Placentia Bay is a heavily trafficked area with by far the highest concentration of small fishing vessels during peak fishing times. As an important stakeholder in Placentia Bay, FFAW-Unifor continues to have serious concerns regarding the approval process.

“Previous consultations on this overall project have been insufficient. Information on site locations and details have been inconsistent, and government should not move forward with approving these sites until consultations with fish harvesters have taken place,” says FFAW-Unifor President Keith Sullivan.

Fish harvesters are concerned about lost crab, lobster, cod and other fishing grounds and habitat. Furthermore, there are concerns about other effects on wild fish, such as parasites and disease, environmental contamination and navigational hazards which the wild harvest industry will have to deal with if this project is approved.

If there is going to be aquaculture development in Newfoundland and Labrador, it must be weighed against the possible impact it has on valuable inshore fisheries and the health of the marine environment.

The three sites are for Darby Harbour, Butler Island and Red Island. FFAW-Unifor anticipates additional applications are forthcoming.

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