20th Minister’s Conference to Focus on Growing Fishing Industry

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell welcomes harvesters, processors and exporters to the Halifax Convention Centre, Feb. 22-23, to share knowledge and expertise, and hear from experts in supply chain management.

Ways to sustainably grow Nova Scotia’s fish and seafood industry to ensure the province remains Canada’s top exporter will also be discussed at the 20th annual minister’s conference.

“Quality is our number one goal and the hard work of our harvesters and processors coupled with our new Nova Scotia brand is helping set us apart globally,“ said Mr. Colwell. “This conference is a platform for our fish harvesters to share knowledge and challenges with each other and gain tips from other countries who are on the same path and can help us to be even more successful.”

Keynote speakers include Ross Hodge, executive officer, Australia’s Southern Rock Lobster Limited and John Sanson, chief executive officer, Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fishermen’s Association, who will outline Australia’s Clean Green Program, a lobster supply chain management strategy. The program is industry-developed and owned and covers vessel safety management systems, onboard occupational health and safety, food safety and quality handling practices, animal welfare and environmental and sustainability management.

“Having already delivered a number of key outcomes for industry there are many exciting developments in store for the program in the near future that we’re excited to share with conference participants,” said Mr. Hodge.

In 2016, Nova Scotia exported over $1.8 billion of seafood to markets around the world, more than any other province in Canada.

The mission of the conference, first held in 1998, is to support innovation to enhance the value derived from Nova Scotia’s quality fish and seafood resources. Participants will benefit from global expertise that can help them grow jobs and economic opportunities for the province’s coastal and rural communities.

For more details and to register go to www.perennia.ca/seafoodconference.