Investing in Innovative Fisheries Projects

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The Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries invests
more than $250,000 each year to help see innovative fisheries-
related ideas become reality.

Staff in the department's innovations branch develop programs to
enhance technology within the fishing industry by focusing on
fish harvesting, processing, aquaculture development and coastal
community programs to ensure the sustainability of the industry.

"With the ever-changing climate in the fishery, every opportunity
must be optimized," said Gordon Balser, Minister of the
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. "The development
projects promote self-sufficiency and community management."

Last year, 24 projects -- designed to do everything from
improving safety on public wharves to conducting lobster larval
drift studies -- were completed.

At least 20 projects are expected to be completed this year. Some
of these projects involve research on multinucleate sphere X
(MSX) parasites found in oysters, lobster larval tagging studies,
work on red abalone aquaculture production and funding of
research for spawning and rearing European oysters.

Investments in these projects help create jobs and prosperity in
rural Nova Scotia.

"Last year, we assisted with the construction of a haul-out in
West Head, Cape Sable Island, one of the busiest areas of the
province," said Marshall Giles, manager of field services and
innovations, Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Work on infrastructure like haul-outs, which allow vessel
operators a central and efficient place to get their vessels in
and out of the water, is critical to the industry. "This year we
expect to assist with about 10 haul-outs for sport and commercial
fishing vessels as well as many other research studies."

The department provides technical and financial support to
fisheries/aquaculture associations and fishermen through cost-
shared, customer-led development programs.

For more information on these programs see the Web site at
www.gov.ns.ca/nsaf/marine/techdev/index.htm .

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FOR BROADCAST USE:

     The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries' innovations

branch is helping people in the fishing industry invest in

programs that help ensure the sustainability of their industry.

     Last year, 24 innovation projects were completed. At least

20 projects will be completed this year. Some of these projects

involve research on parasites in oysters and lobster larval

tagging studies.

     Fisheries Minister Gordon Balser says investments in

projects like these are essential because they help create jobs

and prosperity in rural Nova Scotia.

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Contact: Lenore Bromley
         Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
         902-424-8963
         E-mail: bromlelm@gov.ns.ca



cb             May 28, 2003        1:39 P.M.