| Considerable optimism surrounds prospects for the future of the aquaculture industry in the Maritime provinces, but pollution and algal blooms endanger the industry's long-term viability. The risks posed by pollution and harmful algae include stock mortality, slow growth rates, unmarketability of products, and adverse publicity generated by contamination incidents.;Governments and aquaculturists have options for managing some of these risks. Farmers avoid them through site and species selection, appropriate husbandry, contingency planning, and various industry activities such as lobbying and self-regulation. Governments regulate polluters, control the siting of farms, and operate special programs. Industry and government can cooperate in research, development, environmental monitoring, and public education.;When risks are unavoidable, aquaculturists can mitigate the effects of exposure by relaying or depurating shellfish and sponsoring advertising campaigns to counteract adverse publicity. Governments plan and initiate emergency responses to spill incidents and monitor finfish and shellfish to ensure safety for human consumption.;Compensation, the final recourse in risk management, can be obtained by growers through insurance, government loans, settlements in or out of court, ex-gratia payments, or special government-administered funds. Governments provide money for loan programs, assist with payment of insurance premiums, and promote seafood consumption. (Abstract shortened by UMI.). |
