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Nova Scotia's seafood industry

Seafood

Nova Scotia fish harvesters and processors offer the highest quality fish and shellfish, pulled responsibly and sustainably from the icy waters of the North Atlantic.

In 2021, Nova Scotia exported $2.4 billion in fish and seafood products to more than 60 countries. It's easy to export large quantities of fresh products with ports that are ice-free year round, and convenient road, rail, and air connections. Daily air service operates to Asia, Europe, and North America.

The province's seafood industry also benefits from reliable, efficient supply chains that support everything from harvest to processing to distribution. 

Nova Scotia is Canada's #1 exporter of seafood

Nova Scotia’s sustainable fishing industry is driven by a commitment to quality at every step along the value chain. Our partners include governments, industry associations, harvesters, processors, and supply chain service providers. Together, we work hard to deliver the highest quality fish and shellfish. 

With sustainably-managed fisheries that provide an abundance of fish stocks from the North Atlantic on a daily basis, Nova Scotia is Canada’s leading fish and seafood exporter.

Nova Scotia is home to many academic, research and economic development facilities focused on supporting and growing a thriving sector.

Perennia’s team of specialists provides a suite of services to assist Nova Scotia’s seafood industry diversify markets, create new products and bring premium seafood to market. Perennia's Centre for Marine Applied Research (CMAR) leads and supports research projects that support the sustainable development of the province's aquaculture industry. CMAR collects and analyzes biophysical and socio-economic data that provide the foundation to advance the long-term sustainable development of the fisheries and aquaculture industries.

The Verschuren Centre is an industrial solutions, development and deployment centre advancing sustainable resource management in key fields of expertise - bio-processing and waste streams, aquaculture, nanomaterials and renewable energy. The Centre is responsive to industry and economic development needs, providing opportunities for process and product development, and technology improvement.

National Research Council – Marine Research Station has been growing phytoplankton, zooplankton, seaweeds, finfish and shellfish in Ketch Harbour, Nova Scotia for nearly 50 years. In the last five years, its comprehensive marine cultivation facility has been outfitted with additional equipment for the production of substantial quantities of microalgae. These unique facilities, coupled with experts in algal biology, marine biology, aquaculture, analytical chemistry and applied nutrition, enable the NRC to deliver specialized research solutions for collaborators and clients.

World class seafood companies are located in Atlantic Canada

Atlantic Canada is home to 4 of the top 25 Seafood companies in North America. These companies represent nearly $2.8 billion in global sales.

Buy Nova Scotia seafood

To source Nova Scotia seafood, please use the Seafood Export Directory; searchable by company name, product, or export market.

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View the Nova Scotia ICT downloadable resources

Sector Snapshot

The Nova Scotia Business Advantage

In just one day we can connect you to everyone you need to meet to choose Nova Scotia as the next location for your business. We secure meetings with senior leaders, government and the business community while curating a visit that perfectly suits your business needs.

A vibrant ecosystem

Nova Scotia has the right mix of post-secondary education, established companies and leading research and developmentin species and sustainability. 

Competitive costs

Nova Scotia offers cost competitive opportunities throughout your value chain, from research and development, to exporting finished goods around the world.

An unbeatable workforce

Nova Scotia has one of the largest concentrations of universities and best-educated workforces in North America.

Ideal location

Nova Scotia's strategic location on Canada's East Coast provides timely and consistent cold chain logistics with capacity to deliver fresh seafood to North American, European, and Asian markets.

New certification for increased seafood quality standards

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Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia fund 120 projects to support increased lobster quality across province

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Seafood Certification Promotes Nova Scotia Companies to World Markets

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Nova Scotia's fishing, aquaculture and seafood processing sector employs over 10,000 people a year.
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