Just days after being elected as the new Chair of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance's (CAIA) Board of Directors, Ian Roberts says he is ready to put words into action and move the aquaculture industry forward for the benefit of all Canadians. "Canada has an opportunity to lead the world's supply of sustainable seafood – a market that is growing domestically and internationally year on year", he tells WeAreAquaculture.
In addition to his new position at CAIA, Ian Roberts is Mowi's Director of Communications for the Scottish, Irish and Canadian farming units. This appointment means that, after spending three years in Scotland, he is back in Canada, where he previously lived for 25 years. His commitment to Canadian aquaculture is more than evident.
"Canada's opportunity for aquaculture development is perhaps unparalleled in the world, boasting the longest coastlines, talented people, and coastal communities wanting new, innovative, healthy and sustainable food security and economic opportunities", he tells us.
But, as noted in the recent CAIA's proposal for the 2023 pre-budget consultations, Roberts also believes there is a way forward for the government to achieve the evolution of a flatlined sector for two decades. "For Canada to compete globally, changes need to be made to break out of the production doldrums we have experienced for the last twenty years", he claims.
The Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance's requests for Budget 2023 included a change in DFO's role in the sector. According to them, the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans should focus on science and regulation, build its reputation as a world-class regulator, and drop other responsibilities such as industry development or sustainable growth. Ian Roberts explains why.
"At the federal level, Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) needs to focus on science and smart science-based regulation, while sector development responsibilities should be led by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada just like the rest of the farming sector. A shake-up and change in the federal management of the sector should address the perceived conflict of interest at DFO and help strengthen the regulator's reputation", he says.
However, as the new CAIA's Chair himself acknowledges, not all the balls are in the government's court. "Our sector also needs to continue to do our part securing public trust and political support. We need to effectively communicate how we raise seafood, and how our sector has evolved over time and is committed to constant improvement", he states. But Roberts is willing. "I look forward to working closely with the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance to put words into actions and move the aquaculture sector ahead for the benefit of all Canadians", he ends.
