People in many industries and sectors are watching closely as details slowly emerge regarding the breakdown of trade talks between the United States and Canada despite optimism right up until the Saturday morning deadline.

Fish farming continues to expand in Newfoundland with that industry estimating direct and indirect employment at 2,500, which comprises of the people who work at the production site and those who move the product and supply the materials and components.

Bradley George, the executive director of the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association, says they supply local demand as well as markets abroad, including the U.S.

“We’re able to supply the market here through supermarkets and the like, and the rest if shipped out of province but the US is a key market,” says George.

The association estimates the value of the industry has grown to $353-million annually, an increase of close to $70-million over previous years.

Most of the fish are grown on the south coast.