By Amy Woolvett
It was officially announced last week that the province would relocate its aquaculture division from Halifax to Shelburne County.
There will be 12 positions to the area by the end of the year.
Another 22 positions along with headquarters will be moved to the Digby area.
“This initiative will see the department’s headquarters and its aquaculture division relocate to two of the province’s major fish harvesting, processing and aquaculture regions,” said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau. “It makes sense that a department whose purpose is to support fisheries and aquaculture be based in rural Nova Scotia where it can bring good jobs to grow the economy.”
Both the Municipality of Barrington and the Municipality of Shelburne announced their support for the move.
“The municipality has worked diligently to develop the aquaculture industry in the area and this announcement facilitates our goal to create an aquaculture industry centre of excellence,” said Kirk Cox CAO for the municipality. “We will work with the province to ensure that the move is made in a timely manner. We also hope that this announcement strengthens the government’s commitment to the industry and continues to ensure the industry is regulated to ensure the safety of our communities and environment.”
The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has 76 staff in 14 communities around the province.
