News Release Archive
FISHERIES/AQUACULTURE--AQUACULTURE STUDENTS GRADUATE
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Jim Barkhouse, Nova Scotia fisheries and aquaculture minister,
today presented certificates to six Nova Scotians who have
completed training in the province's Aquaculture Mentorship
Program.
Receiving certificates were: Daniel Staples, Porters Lake;
Michael Daley, Yarmouth; James McLean, Hantsport; Chris Lamrock,
Barrington; Barry Duncan, Digby, and Allan Hattie, Yarmouth.
Mr. Barkhouse noted that the mentorship program is unique and
stresses hands-on training. "In our view, it is a formula for
success. Practical experience is a critical element to open real
doors in the real world of jobs," he said.
The 72-week program was composed of two components: classroom
instructions at the Fisheries School in Pictou and on-site work
at an aquaculture farm. Under the mentorship of the farm owners,
the students worked alongside operators in a wide range of
business-related activities, from bookkeeping to animal
husbandry.
The program complements aquaculture training offered through the
Nova Scotia Agriculture College in Truro and the community
college in Shelburne, said Mr. Barkhouse. "This program adds a
practical dimension to the technical and theoretical training
offered at the other facilities."
Aquaculture development continues to move forward: fish farmers
produced $13 million worth of product last year, an increase of
18 per cent over 1995.
"This activity is creating jobs and helping our coastal
communities to diversify," said the minister. "In fact, the
number of full-and part-time jobs increased 13 per cent, from 813
in 1995 to 922 to 1996."
The minister commended the graduates and the aquaculture industry
on their spirit of innovation and co-operation. "This is an
example of industry, communities and government working together
to improve economic opportunities for Nova Scotians," he said.
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Contact: Diane Kenny
Fisheries and Aquaculture
902-424-0308
trp May 23, 1997 - 3 p.m.
