Province Launches New Seafood Sector Strategy
Nova Scotia's new seafood sector strategy is built around four pillars: industry growth and innovation, market and product diversification, operational efficiency, and communications and collaboration.
The new Nova Scotia Seafood Sector Strategy will help the industry adapt, compete and create more economic benefit for Nova Scotians.
Kent Smith, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, released the strategy today, June 24, at Sea Star Seafoods Ltd. in Clark’s Harbour, Shelburne County. The three-year strategy aims to help seafood businesses respond to challenges including rising costs, labour shortages and global trade uncertainty.
“The seafood sector is one of our strongest natural assets and has enormous potential to grow,” said Minister Smith. “This strategy provides a clear and practical road map to improve services, strengthen partnerships, expand market opportunities and better support businesses across the seafood sector.”
Key actions include:
- launch the Seafood Sector Innovation Hub for applied research, innovation, technology adoption and commercialization support; the 2026-2027 budget includes $1.5 million this year and ongoing annual funding for this priority commitment
- improve programs and funding to grow sector innovation, efficiency and resilience
- grow Nova Scotia’s aquaculture sector
- provide support for product diversification, value-added processing and full product utilization
- offer expanded market diversification funding and supports; the 2026-2027 budget includes $4 million over three years for this priority commitment
- improve processes, policies and workflows to support faster approvals
- improve communication of services and supports for the seafood sector.
The strategy clearly defines specific roles for the government and opportunities for industry and is built around four pillars: industry growth and innovation, market and product diversification, operational efficiency, and communications and collaboration.
Research, sector analysis and input from industry representatives, partners and stakeholders helped shape the plan. It reflects a shared goal of a seafood industry that is diverse, efficient, resilient and known worldwide for premium quality and sustainability.
Quotes:
“The Nova Scotia Seafood Sector Strategy clearly moves Nova Scotia’s fish and seafood industry from the side of the table to the centre of the plate. The strategy illustrates a crisp vision for the future of the sector and delivers a clear path for both government and industry to achieve prosperity for all Nova Scotians.”
— Kris Vascotto, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance
“AANS is pleased to see the release of a Nova Scotia Seafood Sector Strategy focused on growth, innovation, diversification and efficiency. Work in these areas will help unlock the untapped potential of the aquaculture sector in our province and our region.”
— Jeff Bishop, Executive Director, Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia
“This strategy recognizes that Nova Scotia's seafood sector can't rely on doing things the way we did 20 years ago. Investments in automation, innovation, market diversification and workforce development are essential if we're going to remain globally competitive. The sector supports thousands of families in rural Nova Scotia, and continues creating opportunities for the next generation and ensuring Nova Scotia remains a global leader in premium seafood. Ultimately, we have to move fast and together.”
— Kerry Cunningham, sales/procurement, Sea Star Seafoods, and director, Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance
Quick Facts:
- seafood is Nova Scotia’s top export industry; it employed about 19,000 people in 2025
- Nova Scotia seafood exports were worth about $2.2 billion in 2025
- the industry consultation informing the strategy was conducted by MRSB Consulting
Additional Resources:
Nova Scotia Seafood Sector Strategy: https://novascotia.ca/seafood-sector-strategy/
Sea Star Seafoods: https://seastarseafoods.com/