Nova Scotia will develop a commercial fisheries strategy to ensure the fishing industry is sustainable, creates jobs and helps grow the economy.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell announced today Feb. 21, at the annual minister’s conference with fish harvesters in Debert that work is commencing on the strategy.

“Quality and innovation is needed in the fishing industry to drive up exports and to grow the sector of the Nova Scotia economy,” said Mr. Colwell. “The Ivany Commission stressed the need for this in traditional Nova Scotia industries.’

The strategy consists of six pillars:
–- industry organization
— safety and training
–- efficiency
–- market development
–- quality
–- innovation

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture will work with industry organizations and the Aboriginal community to develop the strategy.

“This is your strategy and we need you to be involved,” Mr. Colwell said to those gathered at the conference. “Its success will depend on you.”

The department is aiming to have the strategy completed this year and implemented early in 2015.

Source: Release