Canada nets inspiration at Aqua Nor
The Canadian delegation that attended Aqua Nor has returned home with ideas to help innovation and growth within the aquaculture sector.
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) lead the 2019 Canadian delegation that attended Aqua Nor in Trondheim, Norway last month.
“The Atlantic Aquaculture Mission was the largest to date,” said Susan Farquharson, executive director for the ACFFA.
“The mission had 58 participants, including the ACFFA support team. The delegation included 16 small and medium enterprises representing fish farmers, service suppliers, investors, feed production, research, environmental monitoring, marketing, as well as representatives from aquaculture associations and federal, provincial and municipal governments.”
Innovation seminar
Delegates were encouraged to hold expert seminars and lectures while at Aqua Nor. The Canada/Norway Innovation and Investment Seminar focused on the role of clusters to promote and support new innovation. Delegates from the two countries discussed strategies and successes stories.
“The new technology we see is always a highlight of Aqua Nor and this year was no different.” said Farquharson. “A number of our delegates noted the advancements in remote technologies for fish farm maintenance and the tour of SalMar’s Ocean Farm 1 was also a highlight. It was remarkable to see the way technologies from the oil and gas industry and aquaculture can complement each other.”
“Several participants told us that 2019 was their busiest and most successful mission ever. Many delegates stayed on after the mission timeline to conduct more business activities. Norway’s Crown Prince stopped by our new Canada exhibit, and he was interested in the Canada/Norway relationship with regards to salmon farming. He asked a lot of questions about the growth potential in Atlantic Canada."
The ACFFA will release the final business results from Aqua Nor when the post mission survey is complete.
