The Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) has welcomed a decision by the Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador government to withdraw from a proposed National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) process on Newfoundland and Labrador’s south coast.
The association said the move fulfils an election commitment made by Premier Tony Wakeham and Natural Resources Minister Chris Tibbs, and removes a potential barrier to aquaculture development in the region.
The proposed NMCA, which would have covered around 6,500 square kilometres and been led by Parks Canada, had raised concerns within the aquaculture sector about restrictions on existing and future operations.
NAIA executive director Keith Sullivan said the withdrawal provides greater certainty for industry and coastal communities.
“With this decision today and by continuing to work with industry and community leaders, we can ensure aquaculture and other industries such as the fishery are a part of a more prosperous and resilient future for southern Newfoundland,” Sullivan said.
NAIA also pointed to international and regional reports highlighting the growth potential of aquaculture, including a recent study by the World Bank and World Wide Fund for Nature, and an October 2025 report from the Atlantic Economic Council.
According to NAIA, aquaculture in Newfoundland and Labrador supports more than 2,500 jobs and contributed over CAD 282 million to the provincial economy in 2024.