The arts sector has also surged with a 78 percent growth in artists registered through the Northwest Territories Arts Program. Registered film and media practitioners, in particular, have increased by more than 150 percent. They are contributing to a film industry now worth around $6.7 million, a 38 percent increase spurred in part by an investment plan recommended by the strategy.
The centre of our commercial fishery is also on the upswing. Compared to four years ago, we have issued 27 percent more commercial vessel licenses. Harvests for our fishers are up by 42 percent, and they are collecting 55 percent more for those fish. These positive results underpin the importance of continuing to invest in diversity. We will do so through the strategies and plans that we have in place, our Agriculture Strategy, Film Strategy, Great Slave Lake Fish Revitalization Strategy, Immigration Strategy, and Tourism 2020. We will also be adding to our suite of investment plans with a new Manufacturing Strategy and a renewed approach to supporting and advancing our arts sector.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Economic Opportunities Strategy Governance Committee who oversaw the development and implementation of this strategy and who has now fulfilled its mandate. I would like to extend my appreciation on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories for their guidance. The collaborative approach taken to implement the strategy confirms that all government departments, strategy partners, and stakeholders have a key role to play in developing economic growth and diversity in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.