Facility will provide 450,000 smolt for twelve sites.
Saltwire reports that the Millbrook First Nation has received approval from authorities for a licence that will allow it to run a land-based Atlantic salmon hatchery in partnership with Cooke subsidiary Kelly Cove Salmon.
Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture greenlit the hatchery and main facility, which can grow 450,000 salmon smolt for Cooke’s Kelly Cove twelve sites in the southwestern part of the province.
The Millbrook First Nation established an Arctic Char farming operation in 2002, but has transitioned to farming Atlantic salmon to meet market needs.
The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture released its decision Monday after an administrative review process by provincial and federal regulators and a 30-day public comment period.
CEO Cooke Glen Cooke said that he was “thrilled”.
“Our Kelly Cove Salmon team and contractors from Millbrook First Nation have spent six months making preparations, and we are thrilled to be contributing to the community’s economic development,” he said.
Millbrooke First Nation Chief Bob Gloade added that “farming Atlantic salmon through best practices in association with Cooke Aquaculture as a world-leading company provides us with a sustainable source of nutritious salmon and employment opportunities”.
