Bras d’Or Lakes

Cape Breton Island (Unama’Ki)

Our story began with oyster farming in 2009

Low salinity “Barachois Ponds” Poole’s pond and MacDonald's Pond

In 2010 we applied for funding under the ACFDI and ECBC programs to develop a trout farm

Trout farm site

Partnering for Sustainable Fish Farming

Atoqwa’su Farms Limited

Ice slide line

Given life style expectations, natural skills, competence and confidence of the Mi’kmaq peoples working in the inshore waters, this opportunity cannot be lightly dismissed, especially when compared to other industries.

After some consideration and discussion specifically about losing control of the communities destiny through the fate of outside control of prime aquaculture leases located directly adjacent to the community, we counter proposed that we build the farm and Coldwater hire our people, operate and finance it

Previous experience in Waycobah and knowledge of the local environment was crucial in deciding the configuration of the farm.

In this, the second year of operation, we anticipate harvesting close to 750,000 lbs. and have become a significant part of Coldwater Fisheries production strategy.

The future The creation of Atoqwa’su opened the doors to a new array of potential opportunities for the community. It was not only the beginning of a fish farm, but that of an industry.

Thank you, without whose help we wouldn’t have made it this far.

Dean Clark – farm worker Tony Isadore – farm worker Robin Stuart – area supervisor, Coldwater Fisheries Joe Googoo jr. – site manager Frank Stevens – farm worker Curt Phillips – farm security Brandon Poulette – farm worker Mark Cremo – farm security Winston Patles – farm worker Phillip Bernard – live fish transport

•Aquaculture has been a welcomed activity for the community •The partnership agreement allows for minimizing risk for the community while building capacity and infrastructure for the future growth of the industry •Collaborations and working relationships have evolved with other FN communities •The support from ACFDI, ECBC and Coldwater were instrumental in achieving our goals

I’d like to provide a special thank you to: The A.C.F.D.I. Program, especially Fernando Salazar Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation, especially Archie Gallagher Nova Scotia Fisheries, especially Dr. Toby Balch Walter Bernard – Waycobah elder advisor Waycobah First Nation admin, for their support Waycobah First Nation community for having faith in us to do it right Thank you from all of us – Wela’lioq