Digby Aquaculture Festival a Success

More than 250 people in Digby enjoyed the tastes of barbecued salmon, halibut and sea scallops at a Harvest Festival held this past Saturday to honour the aquaculture industry's achievements in their community.

"I think this is terrific," Digby resident Ed Reid said. "I guess it shows how much we do here in aquaculture. These are great products. It really shows the versatility of our town."

The barbecued samples were just one part of the festival, which also included the awarding of a $1,000 bursary to a graduating student from the local high school to further his or her education in aquaculture.

Speaking at the second annual event, Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Ernest Fage said the bursary is an investment in the future of the industry.

"It is truly great to be able to help a student get a foot up in this industry," said Mr. Fage. "Aquaculture is growing and so are the jobs in our coastal towns that come along with it."

Growers Blair Cooper and Brian Longmire of Hillsburn Basin Scallop Group, Sean Raymond of R and R Finfish Development, Rodney O'Neil of Di-Anna Aqua, and Duncan Casey of Victoria Sea Farms accepted the aquaculture community of the year plaque at a presentation during the festival. They in turn presented it to Mayor Frank Macintosh to be shared with the community of Digby.

Ben Elms, vice-principal of the Digby regional high school, accepted the bursary on behalf of the school.

Many guests also took the opportunity to learn more about the industry by visiting the Rattling Beach site by boat and checking out local species in a touchtank. Industry also set up displays in a booth.