News Release Archive
FISHERIES/AQUACULTURE--FIRST AQUACULTURE STUDENTS GRADUATE
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Nova Scotia marks a first in Atlantic Canada today when four
students graduate with degrees in aquaculture from the Nova
Scotia Agricultural College in Truro.
"On the 92nd anniversary of the college, the province is
exceedingly proud of these students who are making a bit of
history as the first graduates of the newly established
aquaculture program," said Jim Barkhouse, fisheries and
aquaculture minister.
Mr. Barkhouse congratulated Jeffrey Ohrt of Beach Meadows, N.S.,
Stacey Buchanan of St. George, N.B., Shelley Corbett of Moncton,
N.B., and Aaron Perry of Cody's, N.B., on their achievement and
their participation in an initiative that will help foster
aquaculture development in Nova Scotia.
"This degree program is unique in Atlantic Canada and provides
the educational and professional support required for the
industry to move forward," said Mr. Barkhouse.
Under the program, students enrol in a four-year BSc
(Agriculture) degree that focuses on aquaculture beginning in the
second year. A comprehensive curriculum covers economics,
biological and environmental aspects of fish husbandry. The
college has plans to build an addition to the present Animal
Science Building to develop a resource centre and provide access
to various species of finfish and shellfish for practical
training. The new centre is being developed through partnering
with the Nova Scotia departments of Fisheries and Aquaculture,
Transportation and Public Works, and Economic Development and
Tourism, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
Mr. Barkhouse said that aquaculture is a growing economic sector,
creating direct and spinoff jobs in an array of areas, including
fish production, processing, business management, hatchery
production, environmental industries, fish feed production,
veterinarian and pharmaceutical applications, and manufacturing.
"Given the favorable natural conditions of Nova Scotia and other
Atlantic provinces, together with a skilled workforce, the
potential exists for increased employment and economic growth in
coastal communities."
Mr. Barkhouse commended industry and government for "an excellent
example of successful partnership.
"Aquaculture has obvious links with agriculture and it is
important that we work together to make optimum use of our
resources, both in government and the private sector," he
concluded.
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Contact: Diane Kenny
Fisheries and Aquaculture
902-424-0308
trp May 2, 1997 - 5 p.m.
