Nova Scotia Honours Aquaculture Industry

For the first time, Nova Scotians are celebrating the province's growing aquaculture business with the announcement that today kicks off Aquaculture Industry Week.

In proclaiming Jan. 19-25 a week to celebrate the achievements of the aquaculture industry, Premier Russell MacLellan said the growing importance of farming seafood in communities across Nova Scotia has earned the industry this honour.

"Aquaculture has been a growth industry for more than 10 years. In a unique and modern way, aquaculture continues the Nova Scotia tradition of making a living from the sea," said Premier MacLellan. "We have the expertise and environment to be a top-quality producer of farmed seafood."

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Jim Barkhouse said last year's $13 million in production is proof the industry is growing. He pointed to several encouraging signs.

"Scott MacEachern of Liscott Farms is growing some excellent steelhead trout," said Mr. Barkhouse. "The fact he was ready to ship a generator to Quebec to help a friend and business associate is both an act of kindness and a measure of strength in the industry."

Aquaprime Mussel Ranch on the Eastern Shore has a new processing plant customized for mussel growing, and the plan is to significantly increase production this year. The company has had solid growth over the past six to seven years and has become an important player in the industry.

The aquaculture industry right across Nova Scotia is attracting experts from all over the world, said Mr. Barkhouse. "Our growth means we are exchanging advice and experience with Iceland and the United Kingdom. These partnerships are giving us a jump on the road to commercializing new species such as halibut in Digby and Cape Sable Island."

John Batt, president of the Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia and research director of Sambro Fisheries Ltd., the first private-sector commercial flatfish hatchery in Canada, said the industry is following a strategy to grow.

"Nova Scotia may never be the largest farmed-seafood producer in the world," said Mr. Batt. "But as growers we're committed to quality products and service, and that is our goal."

NOTE TO EDITORS: To receive an electronic copy of a photograph of the signing ceremony for Aquaculture Industry Week, contact Steve Warburton at 902-424-0192.