Aquaculture Student Bursary Announced

A graduating student from Isle Madame District High School will receive a $1,000 bursary to further his or her education in aquaculture study, Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell announced today (Oct. 17). Mr. Colwell was in Arichat speaking at the first-ever Aquaculture Harvest Festival celebration.

"Investing in the future of aquaculture means investing in the aquaculturalists of tomorrow," said Mr. Colwell. "Any time we get the chance to invest in a Nova Scotian's potential, it is money well-spent."

Dave Forgeron, principal of the high school, accepted the bursary on behalf of the school. He said the tribute is welcome in a community that sees aquaculture as a big part of its future.

Isle Madame was also being honoured as the first community in the province to receive the department's Aquaculture Community Award. The Cape Breton community was chosen by the department for its initiatives in supporting the aquaculture industry.

Joel Bowen of Development Isle Madame and Clarence Landry, manager of St. Joseph's Credit Union, set up their own aquaculture development fund with investment from the community. The two accepted Isle Madame's aquaculture community plaque from Mr. Colwell.

The festival featured live entertainment with the group Rock'n Country, tours of a local aquaculture site, and the opportunity to sample aquaculture seafood such as steelhead, scallops and mussels.