Fish Health Lab Receives Upgrades

Upgrades to Nova Scotia's fish health laboratory are an important step in developing a new approach to regulating aquaculture.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell joined Roland Cusack, provincial fish health veterinarian, to tour the fish health lab in Bible Hill, today, Oct. 23.

"We're tightening our approach to fish health and environmental monitoring," said Mr. Colwell. "The way we identify, monitor and manage risks is being strengthened so that Nova Scotians can be confident that this industry is operating in an environmentally responsible and accountable way.

"The responsible growth of the industry will require careful consideration for the environment and these improvements will contribute to this."

Government invested more than $620,000 to improve the lab, located on the Dalhousie University Agricultural Campus. The improvements include an upgraded ventilation system, a new disinfection system for the lab's waste water, new stainless steel storage cabinetry for equipment and supplies, an additional necropsy table to accommodate larger fish specimens, and a new fume hood for siphoning chemical odours while staff work with samples.

"The investments will help the department deliver on the new commitments in aquaculture management," said Mr. Cusack.

Requirements for fish health reporting at the provincial level will be part of a new approach to regulating aquaculture development.

Government will soon release new regulations to support the development and growth of the aquaculture and fisheries industry in Nova Scotia.