Province Helping to Grow an Environmental, Sustainable Aquaculture Industry

NOTE: The following is a letter to the editor from Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Graham Steele.

There has been a healthy debate in recent times about aquaculture in Nova Scotia.

Aquaculture offers great potential for business and jobs in rural areas. There are also risks, so it must be done right.

That's why a sensible aquaculture strategy includes a variety of growing methods. In that context, lots of people have been asking us about land-based fish farming.

I want to let your readers know that the provincial government recently invested in a land-based operation called Canaqua Seafoods, in West Advocate, Cumberland Co.

I personally went to visit, and was really impressed by what I saw. Pictures are available on the government website at http://novascotia.ca/news/Photos/2013/jun/.

Canaqua grows halibut, arctic char and salmon smolt. It's the first in Nova Scotia to use geothermal-heated water from salt water wells. With a provincial loan, it is going to expand the business and hire more people.

I'm really happy that our government is able to support an innovative, family-run, rural business like Canaqua.

With investments like this, we're helping to grow an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable aquaculture industry. I thought your readers would like to know.

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