The Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA)'s second annual Herb Dhaliwal Sustainable Aquaculture Award has been presented to Dr. C. Young Cho, Adjunct Professor of the Department of Animal Science at the University of Guelph and Research Scientist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Dr. Cho was one of four finalists from across Canada being considered for the award. Minister of Natural Resources, Herb Dhaliwal (second from left)presents the "Herb Dhaliwal Sustainable Aquaculture Award" to Dr. C. Young Cho (second from right) on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, March 25, 2003. Also present from the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) were David Rideout, Executive Director (far left) and Nell Halse, President (far right). Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA). Photo: CNW.
In presenting the award at an industry gala on Tuesday March 25th, the Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal noted that Dr. Cho has been a pioneer and practical advisor to the aquaculture feed industry since the late 1970s and has been a leader in low-pollution diet development.
"As one of the first-generation group of International Fish Nutritionists, Dr. Cho's initiatives have played a pivotal role in working toward the
environmentally-sustainable development of the aquaculture industry."
CAIA President, Nell Halse stated that the Canadian aquaculture industry is proud of its innovative business leaders but also of scientists like
Dr. Cho. "His commitment to excellence in science and research, coupled with a drive towards sustainable development of an industry that has tremendous potential for Canada's coastal and rural communities has been and continues to be an excellent model for the many prominent researchers in fish-related fields who apprenticed with Dr. Cho and for the many young men and women who are building careers in this industry."
While the aquaculture industry in Canada is still a relatively new one, its positive contribution to the agrifood sector continues to be acknowledged.
The most recent figures available from Statistics Canada confirm the industry-generated revenues of $674.1 million in 2000, compared with $621.4 million in 1999 - an 8.5% increase. Finfish, mostly salmon, accounted for 90% of total sales, while mollusks accounted for 8.0%. Though aquaculture industries are most commonly associated with regions of Canada's coasts, all provinces and one territory contributed to that production.
Production continues to grow in line with rising consumption of seafood products. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans reported earlier this month that Canada's exports of fish and seafood products - including those produced in the aquaculture sector - reached an all-time high of $4.7 billion in 2002 an increase of over 10 per cent from 2001.
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