Northern Ontario Aquaculture Association

Located in Little Current, Ontario on beautiful Manitoulin Island, the Northern
Ontario Aquaculture Association (NOAA) is a not-for-profit organization that has
become the voice for Ontario's environmentally responsible aquaculture industry.

Environmentally Responsible
The NOAA strives to ensure our farm operations maintain high environmental
standards. We pride ourselves on our Omega-3 rich Rainbow Trout that is raised
in a manner that respects and protects the beautiful pristine environment that is
so essential to the future existence of our agri-food industry. The NOAA in
cooperation with Universities & Colleges, Federal & Provincial Ministries and other
stakeholders, are currently working on various environmental projects in the
development of "green" technologies and improved production practices.

Strictly Regulated
Fish Farming is the most strictly regulated agricultural industry in Ontario with 22
pieces of legislation and acts governing our fish farming operations. Continuous
improvements to our farms are also achieved through Research & Development
projects and Ontario Freshwater Best Management Practices, which are initiated
by industry stakeholders. Aquaculture operations must meet rigorous federal,
provincial and international environmental standards. These standards, based on
the best available scientific research, are in place to minimize and manage the risks
associated with aquaculture operations.

Demand for Omega-3 Rich Products
In the past 10 years, aquaculture has emerged as an increasingly important
supplier of fish and other aquatic products in Canada and has become one of the
fastest growing food production industries. Increased awareness of the
nutritional benefits of eating fish and seafood and its role in reducing the risk of
chronic illness has meant that more people are adding fish to their diet. The global
demand for Omega-3 rich fish products is growing faster than the wild capture
fisheries can provide. This growth is expected to continue in step with population
growth and dietary trends. Demand for seafood in North America alone is
expected to increase by up to 40 per cent by 2010.

Freshwater Aquaculture Leader
Ontario is well positioned to benefit from this development and has the potential
to be a leader in the freshwater sector for several reasons:

an extensive and healthy Great Lakes coastline;
productive freshwater resources;
a reputation for high quality and safe fish products;
an internationally reputable food inspection system;
proximity to established and growing markets;
availability of investment capital;
an effective and efficient transportation infrastructure; and,
a highly skilled, entrepreneurial and educated work force.

Job Creation and Economic Benefits
The aquaculture industry in Ontario produces important economic benefits, $51
million in economic contributions and 229 full-time jobs, for rural communities
across Ontario while producing a healthy food source. The industry is productive
and entrepreneurial. It has also demonstrated its ability to diversify local
economies and provide stable employment. The industry has even greater future
economic potential for Ontario as the province possesses considerable resources
for supporting controlled, carefully planned expansion.

"Environmentally Responsible, Environmentally Accountable"