The sustainability of Nova Scotia’s aquaculture sector and increased public understanding of the value of the industry to the provincial economy are central to a project being undertaken by the Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia, with help from the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia.
“The economy is our government’s top priority and we recognize that investments in community infrastructure help to build strong and vibrant communities and contribute to economic growth,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “Our support for this project will enable the association to develop greater public and investor support for this valuable rural-based industry.”
The Association will work in partnership with industry and Dalhousie University to conduct research related to sustainability of the aquaculture sector as well as provide the public with a first-hand opportunity to experience fish farming through interactive demonstration sites.
In addition to ACOA’s investment, the Province of Nova Scotia through the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture is also investing $191,974 in the project.
“Nova Scotia’s aquaculture industry creates good jobs in rural communities while respecting the environment and sharing the coastal resources with other marine resource stakeholders,” said Sterling Belliveau, Nova Scotia Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “This much needed initiative helps industry showcase their sustainable business practices using innovative farm and web based technology.”
“The potential for economic growth in coastal communities through aquaculture development is significant.” said Bruce Hancock, the Association’s Executive Director. “This project will provide Nova Scotians with a unique opportunity to learn more about sustainable aquaculture and as a result help build public confidence in this industry, which is critical to its continued development.”
Aquaculture was identified as a priority by Team Southwest Nova Scotia, a committee of community and government representatives launched in April 2010 that works with local businesses and communities to identify and develop strategic long-term solutions to help the economy of Southwest Nova Scotia.
The Government of Canada is investing $203,975 through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund toward the initiative. In addition to the federal support, the project is receiving $191,974 from Nova Scotia’s Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and an additional $36,500 from industry sources.
Defence Minister Peter MacKay today announced federal funding of almost $204,000 to enable the aquaculture industry of Nova Scotia to conduct research related to sustainability of the sector in the province. Working in partnership with Dalhousie University and industry, the project will provide the public with a first-hand opportunity to experience fish farming through interactive demonstration sites. The project is being supported by ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund and by the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
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INFORMATION:
David Harrigan
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-4238/902-221-1435(cell)
Email: David.Harrigan@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Celeste Sulliman
Communications Director
Departments of Agriculture/Fisheries and Aquaculture
902-424-0192, 902-237-9594 (cell)
Email: SULLIMCC@gov.ns.ca
Bruce Hancock
Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia
902-422-6234
E-mail: bhancockaans@eastlink.ca
