Seafood Exports on Track to Beat One Nova Scotia Goal

The hard work of harvesters, buyers and exporters means that seafood exports are nearing ONE Nova Scotia's 2014 goal of doubling in value within a decade.

Numbers from Export Development Canada show the value of Nova Scotia's seafood exports hit $1.68 billion in 2015, a 33 per cent increase over 2014.

The commission set a goal of exports increasing to $1.72 billion from $860 million within 10 years.

"Nova Scotia is Canada's leading seafood exporter and it's very encouraging to see the people who work in this industry rise to the challenge of growing the industry," said Premier Stephen McNeil.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell credits the private-sector-led growth on industry action and improved quality control, combined with government efforts to promote Nova Scotia seafood to international markets like Asia through trade missions.

"Other countries are hungry for high quality, premium products from our harvesters and processors and we have room to grow even more," said Mr. Colwell. "I want to congratulate the industry on such a strong performance last year and encourage them to continue innovating and enhancing quality to continue growing."

Since 2010, exports of lobster to China have increased 14 times reaching more than 5,700 metric tonnes in 2015 as the Chinese market for lobster grew to $113 million.

Lobster continued to be the most valuable export overall for Nova Scotia, bringing in more than $891 million in 2015. It was followed by crab at $180 million, scallops at $169 million and shrimp at $131 million.

"By working together, government and industry will continue to build on the success in seafood exports and support jobs and economic activity in our coastal and rural communities," said Mr. Colwell.

The United States remained Nova Scotia's biggest seafood export market in 2015 at $958 million. The European Union came in second at $249 million and China was third at $208 million.