Cooke Aquaculture Ready to invest in Rural Nova Scotia
Cooke Aquaculture, an Atlantic Canadian family company, welcomes the news that two new salmon farms have been approved for the St. Mary's Bay near Digby, Nova Scotia. These new farms lay the groundwork for the further development of the Company's expansion plans - for developing a science-based, globally competitive, sustainable aquaculture sector in Southwestern Nova Scotia, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to Cooke Aquaculture.
"We are ready to partner with both levels of government on a significant investment in Nova Scotia's aquaculture sector - one that will bring hundreds of jobs to the region" says Glenn Cooke, CEO. "Now that we have the go ahead to build these new farms, we will finalize the details of this partnership and evaluate the business case for designing a new state of the art hatchery for the Digby area and a processing facility in Shelburne.
Cooke's investment will be underpinned by an ongoing commitment to innovation, continuous improvement and sustainability. The company will continue to rely on partnerships with the region's world-class universities and research institutions for science expertise on best management practices, specifically in the areas of fish health and environmental protection.
Both the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia have taken a lengthy and comprehensive review of applications to meet the rigorous requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. During that time comments from all stakeholders: members of the community, fishermen, conservation groups and business leaders were considered to make sure their concerns were addressed.
This is very positive news for Cooke, for Southwest Nova Scotia and for the province in general. Cooke has already responded to community concerns by opening storefront offices in Shelburne and Digby, by hiring a NS Regional Communications Officer, and by launching a Nova Scotia microsite to provide information in an open and transparent manner.
The company is committed to bringing Cooke's successful business model to NS - bringing long-term benefits to the region through sustainable aquaculture.
While this news is focused on the Digby area, it is also good news for other parts of the province. It will allow us to work with both levels of government on expansion plans for the Shelburne area and for feed mill in Truro. These investments would not only lead to new direct jobs in these areas but also to many indirect and spinoff jobs.
About Cooke Aquaculture
Today, with more than 2000 employees and operations in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Newfoundland and Maine that generate more than $450 million in sales, Cooke Aquaculture is the largest fully integrated and independent salmon farming company in North America. The company also owns Salmones Cupquelan in Chile as well as shares in local seafood companies. Through its Marketing and Sales Division, True North Salmon, Cooke sells a broad spectrum of fresh seafood products into the Canadian and US marketplace.
Contact: Nell Halse, VP Communications
506-694-4908