Committees
The Executive Director and Research and Development Coordinator act as liaisons between the various committees listed and industry. They both attend and actively participate in these groups and provide information to the committees from an aquaculture industry perspective. Additionally, they relay key messages and information back to AANS industry members about current issues and concerns within the shellfish and finfish sectors.
Being part of these committees is an important role for the Association's involvement in Nova Scotia’s aquaculture industry.
Nova Scotia Aquaculture Environmental Coordinating Committee
The Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia (AANS) is a permanent member of the Nova Scotia Aquaculture Environmental Coordinating Committee (NSAECC). This committee was created pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding on Aquaculture Development (MOU) between Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (NSDFA). The NSAECC is a sub-committee of the MOU Aquaculture Management Committee (AMC) whose responsibility is to provide a forum for on-going dialogue, exchange of information and delivery of advice and assistance on/for aquaculture environmental interaction issues in relation to aquaculture in Nova Scotia.
National Fish Health Working Group
In 2009, Government, scientists and industry representatives formed a national working group to address fish health concerns affecting the aquaculture sector. The work from this group compliments other federal programs regarding fish health such as National Aquatic Animal Health Program and Fish Inspection Program, (Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The primary focus of the working group is to address accessing pharmaceutical products to prevent and treat fish diseases, in order to maintain the health and welfare of cultured fish. The AANS participates in the National Fish Health Working Group (NFHWG) to ensure that industries voice is represented.
Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic Salmon Conservation and Recovery Team
Since 1989, Inner Bay of Fundy (iBoF) Atlantic Salmon have declined more than 90% (DFO). In 2001, the iBoF Salmon were listed as Endangered according to the Species at Risk Act (SARA). To conserve the genetically unique populations, a Recovery Strategy was developed. The strategies aim was to identify the iBoF salmon’s critical habitat and conserve genetic diversity. As a member of the iBoF Atlantic Salmon Conservation and Recovery Team, the AANS has been involved in reviewing the draft strategy and following the scientific team progress.
National Aquaculture Strategic Action Plan Initiative
The National Aquaculture Strategic Action Plan Initiative (NASAPI) was developed to help promote the expansion of the aquaculture industry across Canada in an environmentally sustainable manner. NASAPI was supported by the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers. The AANS sits as a member on this committee to provide industry feedback on the identified action plans.
Nova Scotia Shellfish Working Group
The Nova Scotia Shellfish Working Group (NSSWG) was assembled to bring key stakeholders: government, First Nation, industry and associations together to discuss shellfish health, impacts of invasive species, sampling, monitoring, closures and other concerns.
