Nova Scotia Represented at International Aquaculture Trade Show

Nova Scotia's aquaculture industry continues to explore new ways of making the most of the sector's significant growth potential.

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Chris d'Entremont is one of a group of officials meeting this week with Norwegian industry representatives in an effort to learn more about that country's competitive aquaculture industry.

Mr. d'Entremont, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries staff, and Brian Muise, executive director of the Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia, are attending AquaNor 2005, a biannual, international trade show taking place from Aug. 9 to 11 in Trodheim, Norway.

"AquaNor is the leading aquaculture show in the world, and Canada is the featured country this year," said Mr. d'Entremont. "Aquaculture has grown to be a key agri-food industry in Canada and plays a significant part in our seafood production sector. In Nova Scotia, the industry continues to grow and improve."

Mr. d'Entremont is visiting both land- and marine-based fish and shellfish sites, including scallop, cod and halibut. He is also meeting with the president of Nor-Fishing to discuss Norway's advancements in marine aquaculture and the banking sector, which supports the industry in Norway.

"Norway is a world leader in this industry, and competitive with countries with lower labour costs," said Mr. d'Entremont. "New technology is key to growing the aquaculture sector and we are here to learn more about it."

More than 100 Canadian delegates are attending the event, with representatives from federal and provincial governments, First Nations, academic institutions and the industry. AquaNor includes a round table on cold water aquaculture, science and technology seminars and a session on traditional Aboriginal aquaculture practices.