Minister’s Conference to Focus on Quality of Nova Scotia Seafood

Members of the seafood industry attending the 21st annual Minister’s Conference, held by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, will share their knowledge and expertise and hear from industry experts around the world.

The conference will be held Wednesday, Feb. 27 to Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Halifax Convention Centre and will focus on the roles that market, labour and innovation play in the quality of Nova Scotia’s seafood.

“Thanks to the hard work of the industry, seafood is Nova Scotia’s highest valued export at $2 billion,” said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell.” Our goal is to have the best quality seafood in the world so that we can continue to grow the value of our exports and build a secure economic future for our coastal and rural communities.”

The conference features international speakers Caleb Gardner, centre head for Fisheries and Aquaculture Research at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Australia, who will speak about Australia’s experience with Marine Protected Areas, and Odd Kristian Dahle, head of communications for Norwegian Fishing Vessels Owners Association, Norway, who will speak about marine plastics in Norway.

Much of the second day will focus on labour shortage issues and how the quality and value of our seafood products is affected. Key note speaker Sherry Scully from the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship will talk about ways to attract, train and retain highly qualified people.

Premium quality Nova Scotia seafood will be featured at the opening night reception and this year’s conference trade show will feature more than 50 booths with industry suppliers.

The mission of the conference is to support innovation that can 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 information, visit https://www.perennia.ca/ministersconference/.