Conference on Live-to-Market Fishery

Experts in the catching, shipping and marketing of live fish are coming to Yarmouth in April to share their know-how and experience with the Nova Scotia fishery.

Fishermen and processors can tap into growing speciality markets in major North American cities and Asia if they consider sending their products live to market, said conference co-chairman Chuck McKenna.

"We want to help our industry to grow," said Mr. McKenna. "Markets are calling for high quality. More and more that means delivering fish live. The advice of people with experience can help us build this business."

The East Coast Live Fish Conference: A Sea of Opportunities is the first such meeting to be held in the region and will take place April 1-3 in Yarmouth. The Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture is organizing the event.

Gary Nickerson, president of Sum Good Fish and Lobster Ltd. in Cape Sable Island, said talking about the live-fish industry is a good idea. "It is something new, and it is the future."

Mr. McKenna has been tracking developments in the live-fish market in recent years and is working with Nova Scotian companies already involved in the industry.

"Overall, Pacific Rim countries are the key markets in live fish," he said. "And ethnic markets in Toronto and Vancouver are the biggest in North America."

Cost of the conference is $85 plus HST; a ticket to the banquet is $15.

To register, please contact Jim MacLaughlan at 902-499-1744, fax 902-443-1203 or e-mail [email protected] .