Nova Scotia’s new seafood strategy aims to address rising costs, labour shortages

Nova Scotia has unveiled its new three-year seafood strategy.

Nova Scotia’s new three-year seafood strategy aims to boost the industry and address ongoing issues such as rising costs and labour shortages.

The Seafood Sector Strategy, which was unveiled at Clark’s Harbour on Wednesday, includes new programs and supports like the Innovation Hub, which is getting $1.5 million this year for applied research and technology adaptation.

“The strategy clearly defines specific roles for the government and opportunities for industry and is built around four pillars: industry growth and innovation, market and product diversification, operational efficiency, and communications and collaboration,” a news release from the provincial government reads.

Other major parts of the strategy include:

• growing the province’s aquaculture sector
• expanding market diversification funding and supports with $4 million over three years
• improving processes and workflows for faster approvals

“This strategy recognizes that Nova Scotia’s seafood sector can’t rely on doing things the way we did 20 years ago,” said Kerry Cunningham, director of the Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance, in the release. “Investments in automation, innovation, market diversification and workforce development are essential if we’re going to remain globally competitive.

“The sector supports thousands of families in rural Nova Scotia, and continues creating opportunities for the next generation and ensuring Nova Scotia remains a global leader in premium seafood. Ultimately, we have to move fast and together.”

According to the province, Nova Scotia seafood exports were worth roughly $2.2 billion in 2025, down from $2.5 billion in 2023 and $2.4 billion in 2024.

The seafood industry employed approximately 19,000 people last year.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page