Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture: About us

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture helps support, grow and promote the fishing, aquaculture, seafood processing and sportfishing industries. We’re responsible for the continuous improvement of industry regulations to make sure that aquaculture is sustainable and has a low impact on the marine environment. We also help promote the province’s seafood products in international markets.

• regulating, managing and supporting the development of sustainable, low impact aquaculture throughout the province
• managing aquaculture site leasing and licensing, environmental protection and aquatic animal health services
• working with the aquaculture and seafood processing industries to improve environmental sustainability through new technologies and practices that reduce greenhouse gas emission, improve energy efficiency and reduce operational costs
• providing marine advisory and coastal zone management services to the province's commercial fisheries and rockweed harvesting sectors
• providing lending through the Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board
• managing sportfishing, including conservation, licensing, regulations and operating 3 fish hatcheries to provide sportfishing opportunities throughout the province
• working with industry and government partners to identify new market opportunities within Canada and internationally to promote Nova Scotia seafood companies and their products as premium quality, safe and trusted

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has about 80 staff across the province, including fish health specialists, biologists, coastal resource coordinators, fisheries officers and technicians, marine strategists, researchers, analysts and marketing experts.

• supporting growth in the fishing, aquaculture and seafood processing industries through research, innovation and development initiatives
• improving the sustainability of aquaculture and reducing the impact it has on the marine environment
• reviewing regulations to make sure they support sustainability
• developing a coastal classification system for the suitability of aquaculture
• helping build public trust and market acceptance of Nova Scotia seafood products in international markets and within the province through the Buy Loyal Program
• increasing trade and market access opportunities for producers and their products
• encouraging sportfishing industry growth and product development by promoting authentic sportfishing experiences