Nova Scotia Top Seafood Exporter in 2003

Nova Scotia was ranked the top Canadian exporter of fish and seafood products again in 2003, with an overall industry valued at more than $1.2 billion.

"Our province ranks number one in seafood exports for another successful year," said Chris d'Entremont, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. "Fishing and aquaculture continue to have a strong global presence in the marketplace".

In 2003 Nova Scotia exported more than 143,465 tonnes of fish and seafood products. The three most valuable species exported were lobster (more than 24,000 tonnes valued at $441 million), snow crab (more than 9,000 tonnes valued at $119 million) and shrimp (more than 23,000 tonnes valued at $108 million).

Preliminary international trade figures for Canada's exports of fish and seafood products were made available in advance of the annual International Boston Seafood Show which was held March 14- 16. For more information on Nova Scotia's fishing industry visit www.gov.ns.ca/nsaf/.