Backing for east coast growth

The 37th instalment of the oldest continually running aquaculture conference in Canada focused on the theme of enabling growth of the industry in NS.

The conference was attended by representatives from the industry, researchers and government officials, including the Honorable Keith Colwell, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

“With 7,400 km of coastline, clean water, extensive fisheries infrastructure, world-class ocean sciences institutions, and a growing demand for quality seafood," said Colwell, "we are ideally suited for growth in the aquaculture industry. The Provincial Government wants to enable the responsible growth of aquaculture in Nova Scotia.”

Tom Smith, the Executive Director of AANS, stated: “Our conference theme is a message to all Nova Scotians that the aquaculture industry in NS is prepared to grow, ready to expand; and is positioned as an economic engine for our province.

“Throughout this past year we’ve actively worked with Nova Scotia community groups and provincial municipal leaders to create the opportunity for increased collaboration between Nova Scotians in all areas of the province and industry partners representing over fourteen species of farmed seafood.”

Founded in 1877, the AANS, is made up of 14 board members, one independent science advisor, and 80+ members consisting of growers, suppliers and consultants. It represents, and is the advocate for, people involved in the aquaculture industry in NS including farmers of shellfish and finfish, fish processors, fish hatchery & nursery owner-operators, land-based recirculation operators involved in alternative species, and a range of industry suppliers.

“Over the coming years, the AANS will continue to expand our project initiative to support our members throughout NS. Our ability to provide these value driven programs will enhance our business here in NS and provide valuable resources to all members throughout the province,” said Smith.

The AANS works closely with provincial academic institutions and government research centres to fund projects and leverage industry resources. A current example of this is a collaborative project that focuses on developing disease-resistance oyster strains, and which includes both Provincial and Federal governments, industry members and First Nations.

“The ‘Sea Farmers’ conference gives us all the opportunity to renew old relationships and say hello to the next generation of farmers who are just starting their careers in our industry; be supportive and positive. We are looking toward the future with tremendous optimism, municipal leaders want to know that they can trust our sector to be part of the solution to rural decline and we need to communicate that message together,” said Brian Blanchard, the President of AANS.

In recent decades, NS’s resource-based economy has diversified – commercial fisheries dominated the economy, but with the collapse of cod populations, many Atlantic provinces, including NS, had to adapt.

Aquaculture in NS produces American oysters, mussels, bay quahogs, Atlantic salmon, Arctic char, Atlantic halibut, bay scallops, clams, marine plants, rainbow trout, striped bass, American eel, sea scallops and brook trout.

The industry accounts for approximately 200 aquaculture businesses across the province. It is a significant contributor to the Nova Scotian economy, in terms of both employment and cash value.

Described as Canada's Ocean Playground, NS is surrounded by four major bodies of water: the Gulf of Saint Lawrence to the north, the Bay of Fundy to the west, the Gulf of Maine to the southwest, and Atlantic Ocean to the east.

Because of this extensive coastline, NS is an excellent location for aquaculture, which provides ideal conditions for fish farming. Additionally, the long history in the traditional fishery gives sea farmers the knowledge and support they need to develop fish farming for the future.

Aquaculture in NS is an established and growing industry that is becoming an increasingly important economic contributor to rural regions in the province. As expansion continues, there are important socioeconomic impacts for residents, businesses and communities. In some regions where an aquaculture industry is present, there have been significant impacts such as individuals moving into – or back to – rural communities, new housing starts and new business activity.

In 2015, aquaculture in NS contributed to $64 million in sales, 800 direct industry jobs, and 1500 indirect industry jobs.