From the Springboard Content Lab
Lobster is more than just a local delicacy in Nova Scotia. It is an economic juggernaut.
Canadian lobster exports are worth billions with exports going to 80 countries. Lobster fishing sustains the livelihoods for thousands of Atlantic Canadian with many jobs directly related to the industry.
Protecting the quality of this valuable resource is critical to maintaining a sustainable lobster industry. However, studies have shown a decline in the quality of lobster harvested, stored and shipped to customers worldwide.
“Be it for the betterment of our Acadian communities, the prosperity of rural Nova Scotia or the economic growth of our province as a whole, there is no more logical area than lobster for Université Sainte-Anne to focus its energies as it expands its research enterprise. ” – Kenneth Deveau, President & Vice-chancellor, Université Sainte-Anne
Lobster Quality Centre tackles challenges
In response to this, the Lobster Quality Centre (LQC) was created at Université Sainte-Anne with the support of Springboard Atlantic. Its mission is to maintain high lobster quality in the face of climate change.
The Lobster Quality Centre is a driving force in Nova Scotia’s lobster industry. As worldwide demand grows, their research and innovation play a pivotal role in sustaining this iconic maritime resource.
The LQC brings together academia, industry, and government to ensure that Nova Scotia’s lobster remains a top-quality product in the global market.
The LQC is tackling challenges with an innovative approach. Rather than pinpointing a single cause, the focus is on adapting lobster harvesting practices and products to counteract observed changes in quality.
The LQC operates from laboratory facilities of both the Marine Research Centre (MRC) at the Petit-de-Grat campus and the new Lobster Quality Laboratory at the main campus in Church-Point.
“The processors, buyers and sellers of lobster in Nova Scotia take quality very seriously and we welcome this initiative to bring a scientific look at ways to enhance lobster quality. We market our live and processed Nova Scotia lobster world-wide and always focus on providing the very best.” – Leo Muise, Executive Director of Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance
Using research-informed adaptation strategies, the LQC is enhancing the value of lobster in the following ways:
Understanding the Determinants of Lobster Quality:
Identifying the effects of pollutants, such as microplastics, on lobster health.
Climate change
These critical insights by the LQC help the industry make informed decisions, ensuring that Nova Scotia’s lobsters remain top-tier
Training Programs:
The LQC offers accredited training programs on lobster handling and holding. These programs equip harvesters, processors, and exporters with the best techniques.
Well-trained professionals contribute to maintaining quality throughout the supply chain.
Quality Assurance:
The application LQC’s research significantly impacts lobster quality. By identifying trends and best practices, they help the industry maintain its reputation.
Lobster buyers and consumers alike benefit from consistently high-quality products.
Economic Growth:
Improved lobster quality translates to higher export values. The $3.26 billion industry figure reflects not just quantity but also quality.
As Nova Scotia’s top contributor to improved lobster quality, the LQC contributes positively to the provincial economy.
Adaptation and Resilience:
The LQC’s adaptive approach ensures that the industry thrives despite changing conditions.
By understanding lobster behavior, environmental shifts, and market demands, the industry remains resilient.
As researchers of quality Nova Scotia lobster before, during, and after export, the LQC engages with the global marketplace.
The Lobster Quality Centre continues to be at the forefront of both fundamental and applied research on the determinants of lobster quality. This research has provided crucial insights to industry and policy makers which enable these stakeholders to make the most of this precious resource.– Michelle Theriault, Executive Director of the Centre for Marine Research
Quick Facts:
the three-year budget of about $2.5 million will be used for personnel ($525,000 – research lead and laboratory technicians), lab equipment ($1.6 million), and operating costs ($282,000)
the funding comes from the province’s Building Tomorrow Fund which helps fisheries and agriculture companies working to create new products, access new markets and add value to existing products
Nova Scotia lobster is known around the world for its high quality. Nova Scotia exports $2.3 billion in seafood products to 80 countries, with lobster being the highest value export.
Springboard Atlantic is a network of 19 colleges and universities specializing in research commercialization and industry-led research in Atlantic Canada. It is supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency , Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and member institutions.
The AAU represents the interests of universities across the region, ensuring public visibility for the important role they play in preparing future leaders of our communities, in path-breaking research and innovation, and in contributing to the economic prosperity of life in Atlantic Canada.
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