together, let’s protect south coast SEAFOOD workers.

The South Coast of Newfoundland and Labrador is home to long-standing fisheries and a growing aquaculture sector. Together, these industries support thousands of jobs, drive regional investment, and form the backbone of our rural communities.

But a proposed National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) could change all that.

The NMCA Threatens south coast Jobs and Economic Stability by banning fisheries and aquaculture.

Parks Canada’s long-term goal is to place the majority of NMCAs into fully-protected zones.  If this plan advances, the economic and social fabric of the South Coast could be severely harmed:

  • Current fisheries like lobster could be phased out.

  • New fisheries would not be allowed at all.

  • Aquaculture operations, many of which already exist in this region, could be excluded or displaced.

  • Vessel access may be restricted for years to come, with no clear path to resolution.

The uncertainty this creates is already discouraging investment. It threatens the survival of businesses that have operated sustainably for decades and weakens long-term confidence in Newfoundland and Labrador’s coastal economy.

SUSTAINING RURAL AND COASTAL COMMUNITIES FOR DECADES

WHAT SEAFOOD MEANS TO NEWFOUNDLAND and labrador

Aquaculture plays a key role in the revitalization and sustainability of rural and coastal communities in Newfoundland, with over 2,000 jobs, contributing $282 million to the provincial economy. It provides healthy protein, increases food security, and sustains rural and coastal communities. The regulatory systems in place, including food recalls and licensing, demonstrate that this sector is accountable, transparent, and effective.

Two women in work overalls inside a processing facility on the South Coast.

to the provincial economy

$282M

2000+

total jobs created

Local voices (VIDEO):

Hear from fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians on the impact of the proposed NMCA to the fishing and aquaculture industry to the South Coast and neighbouring communities in the provinces.

A PROVEN + REGULATED INDUSTRY OPERATING SUSTAINABLY

Aquaculture in Newfoundland and Labrador is a success story.

Aquaculture in Newfoundland and Labrador has already proven its value to the South Coast, and is fully regulated at the provincial and federal levels, with transparent oversight and food safety protocols that ensure responsible operation from hatchery to harvest.

Farmed salmon is traceable through every stage of its lifecycle. Fish health and welfare are closely monitored by veterinarians and aquaculture technicians. Water quality, feed management, and environmental stewardship are all actively managed under robust standards.

  • “Times were pretty desperate in the hotel business until the aquaculture industry came around. Things started to pick up in 2006, and we’ve been steadily growing our business ever since. We now employ upwards of 16 people, directly related to the aquaculture industry.”

    Bill Carter
    Owner / Operator of Southern Port Hotel

  • “We don’t need someone in a faraway land making decisions about our rural area. It’s crazy. We’re doing a good enough job ourselves—keeping the area clean and pristine."

    Fabian Manning
    CEO, 360 Marine Ltd.

  • “This is the livelihood of the community. This is what we need to survive. We have the younger generation coming forward now, and this is what keeps the community going. If they move away—if the aquaculture industry has to close due to this—we’ll have nothing. Absolutely nothing. "

    Gloria Pierce
    President of Local FFAW / Unifor Union

  • “Aquaculture has certainly come a long ways. That industry, which is a year-round industry and it’s just not seasonal like tourism would be, for example, is very, very important for our community. Another good thing is that it’s supportive of the community—from beach cleanups to supporting our school, giving us monies to spend for the students of our school.”

    Margret Parsons
    Retired Teacher, John Watkins Academy in Hermitage

“…WE LOVE THIS COAST AND WE ALREADY LOOK AFTER IT OURSELVES…”

— Roy Drake, Deputy Mayor, Harbour Breton

Hear from local leaders and local business owners on the importance of local management to the South Coast supporting stewardship efforts, and the potential impacts of the proposed NMCA.

We are calling on elected officials at every level to recognize the risk posed by the proposed South Coast NMCA and to take action now, before this plan advances any further.

The people of the South Coast need assurance that their livelihoods will not be sacrificed in pursuit of an inflexible national zoning goal that excludes their way of life.

Protect what’s working. Protect what’s already sustainable. Protect the South Coast.

WE’RE ASKING LEADERS AT ALL LEVELS TO PROTECT THE SOUTH COAST

TAKE ACTION:
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

Let your elected officials know that you support responsible environmental stewardship, but not at the cost of your job, your community, or your future.