Irving, Thomas, "Rural Development Attributes of the Atlantic Salmon Aquaculture Industry in Charlotte County, N. B.

Charlotte County, New Brunswick is a most scenic and beautiful area of Atlantic Canada. Its rugged terrain and its dynamic coastline contribute to a rich Maritime heritage. However, this perception of richness disguises low employment rates, depressed income levels and a limited economic base.

The County's Atlantic Salmon aquaculture industry's inception took place in the late 1970's. Since then it has become an industry that generates an income in excess of $100 million per year. This is projected to exceed $200 million by the year 2000.

This thesis investigates the development impacts that are attributed to the dramatic growth of this industry in Charlotte County and the factors affecting the sustainability of the industry.

Contributions to the county economy such as direct and indirect employment and increased earned income are investigated. The study addresses some higher profile concerns that may be collateral to Charlotte County's Atlantic Salmon aquaculture industry. Foremost among these concerns are the environmental impacts related to cage sites. Other concerns relate to interactions with, and implications for, the traditional fisheries, tourism and recreation activities. The investigation into sustainability addresses environmental impacts and limitations, as well as, market and competition implications for production level targets. A discussion of the future and opportunities related to value added processing and development of other aquaculture species is presented.

Atlantic Planners Institute

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This document was last modified on November 14, 2000.