The Nova Scotia Aquaculture Development Committee was formed in November 1993 as a joint initiative by Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (NSDFA) and the Nova Scotia Economic Renewal Agency. The purpose was to combine the overall capabilities of any government agencies that could contribute to the promotion and development of Aquaculture in Nova Scotia.

The committee is chaired by NSDFA and consists of members representing a diverse mix of government departments and agencies who have regulatory, development, research and potential funding involvements regarding aquaculture. The committee provides a vehicle for enhanced, efficient communication and eliminates duplication of effort on aquaculture issues and projects that involve more than one agency. It also serves to inform agency members of respective current involvements with aquaculture to increase overall awareness and dissemination of aquaculture related information and activities.

Agencies currently represented on the N.S.A.D.C. are:

The committee is serviced by technical sub-committees composed of qualified experts from federal and provincial agencies or appropriate industry associations. The committees review Aquaculture applications, F.L.B. loan requests and agency funding proposals from a technical and financial perspective and report results through the N.S.A.D.C. to the appropriate agency. Federal/Provincial Co-op agreement projects are also reviewed through these committees. In addition the committees provide advice, comments, and recommendations on major issues, potential policy, programming and future research efforts from various sources when requested.

There are currently three subcommittees operating under the aegis of the N.S.A.D.C. All have developed terms of reference and criteria that govern their review function.

The Shellfish and Salmonid Finfish technical subcommittees meet on all issues and applications regarding traditional Aquaculture species including new growout Aquaculture sites, U-fish operations hatcheries and introduction and transfer issues regarding new species.

The Experimental Marine Finfish subcommittee was formed most recently to deal with growing interest and preliminary development issues of hatchery and grow out culture of marine whitefish species, striped bass and eels. Culture of traditional highly valued species such as halibut, haddock, and flounder are at or near commercial development in Europe and offer significant potential for N.S. over the long term. The immediate mandate of this subcommittee is to provide orderly guidance during the critical early development stages of this type of aquaculture.

The technical subcommittees also consider any potentially new or existing technologies or techniques that may benefit industry in the future. Examples would include enhanced triploid (breeding) techniques, cryopreservation of shellfish larvae, broodstock development, fish health, disease control, carrying capacity and planning for currently active areas.

Funding agency representatives sit on all technical committees and provide assessment and input regarding business aspects of Aquaculture applications in addition to providing review of any major research proposals and loan requests submitted.

The N.S.A.D.C. currently meets quarterly or as required. The committee has overseen review of approximately 160 applications and 40 proposals over the past 3 years as part of routine business.

In addition the committee has and will continue to identify and address fundamental weaknesses in the existing infrastructure vital to substantial growth and development of the Aquaculture industry in Nova Scotia. Specific efforts have been undertaken by the committee to investigate major issues by meeting with outside groups to solicit advice and information.

Meetings have been held with chartered bank representatives to review and discuss past problems and potential solutions regarding sources of working capital from private sector sources. A key government representative from N.B. was invited to present the strategy that has resulted in the successful industry in N.B., and how elements of this strategy could be utilized to assist the industry in N.S. The committee has also met at the N.S. Agricultural College and NSDFA to tour the facilities and discuss the expertise and capabilities that may be applied to Aquaculture development.

The committee has met with representatives of A.C.O.A. Cape Breton and toured one of the major integrated salmon and trout producing facilities in the area to better understand the problems and potential opportunities present in that substantial segment of the Aquaculture industry.

When required, the committee has previously examined major initiatives supported and promoted by community level based organizations in Richmond and Digby counties to assist and facilitate achievement of their objectives regarding aquaculture, and stands ready to assist other areas if the need arises.

The overall mandate of the committee is to facilitate a dedicated, coordinated and proactive approach to all aspects of Aquaculture development in N.S. and to advise the NSDFA on major Aquaculture issues. The committee is working to identify and combine major cornerstones essential to industry development. Examples include revised Aquaculture policy, working capital programs involving both government and private sector, provision of extension and technical services and liaison with the extensive agriculture support infrastructure currently in place.