Aquaculture Industry Benefits From Training

Education and training are paying off for Nova Scotia's aquaculture industry. Since new training opportunities began in 1996, the number of people working in the industry has increased by 27 per cent and revenues have nearly doubled.

Three years ago, the Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Fisheries Regional Industrial Training Committee (RITC) teamed up to provide workshops and courses for owners and employees of aquaculture businesses. The training has so far provided nearly 700 aquaculturists across the province with the skills needed to compete in international markets.

"The partnership between the training committee and aquaculture association has been very successful," said Lisa Anderson, training co-ordinator of the Nova Scotia Fisheries RITC. "By working co-operatively and with industry members across the province, we've been able to identify essential training needs and provide the best delivery format for meeting those requirements."

The training provided by this partnership prepares aquaculture operators for success in global markets with courses on business skills, new technology, finfish and shellfish health and nutrition, worksite safety and first aid, open-water diving skills, and best husbandry practices.

"Aquaculture is a mature global industry where competitive markets have tight margins and high standards," said Marli MacNeil, executive director of the Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia. "There's little room for error or inefficiency so it's crucial that Nova Scotia operators entering these markets are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills."

The partnership between the Nova Scotia Fisheries RITC and the Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia has received nearly $119,000 through the Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification to deliver the training programs. The agreement is managed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Nova Scotia Economic Development.

"Providing professionals in the aquaculture industry with the technical skills and knowledge they need to meet the requirements of this growing industry can only result in many successful community operations," said Senator Bernie Boudreau, Leader of the government in the Senate and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia, on behalf of George Baker, Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "Professional farm management is generating viable businesses and activating further growth and long-term, sustainable economic development for Nova Scotia."

Gordon Balser, Nova Scotia's Minister of Economic Development, agreed that training is a key to success for the aquaculture industry.

"The growth of most industries in Nova Scotia is dependent on their success in competitive global markets," he said. "By investing in industry training, we're helping aquaculturists acquire the expertise they need to increase their exports, expand their industry and contribute to the growth and diversity of Nova Scotia's economy."

The province's aquaculture industry is showing signs of steady growth over the years. In 1996, the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture estimated the industry's revenues at $12.9 million. That value soared to $25 million in 1998.

Statistics Canada reported that the industry also grew in terms of employees. The number of people employed in Nova Scotia aquaculture businesses jumped to 1,175 in 1998 from 922 in 1996.

Participation in the training programs is also rising as more aquaculturists recognize the value of the courses. In the first year, 25 industry members took part in the programs; in 1998-99, the number was close to 400.

Aqua Jem Farms owner Mike Raynard of Shelburne has taken courses along with some of his employees. "If you don't have healthy fish, then you don't have a healthy business," he said. "The courses in fish health and diagnosis we've taken through this partnership have been very beneficial to our business."

For more information on aquaculture training programs, industry members can contact Lisa Anderson, Nova Scotia Fisheries RITC, at 902-742-6167 or Marli MacNeil, Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia, at 902-422-6234.

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