Your Future, Anchored in the Ocean Economy

Opportunities in Western Nova Scotia’s Blue Economy Explored in 5-part Video Series

Western Nova Scotia is defined by the ocean. Generations have built their livelihoods on the water. From fishing and boatbuilding to research and innovation, we have created communities rooted in resilience, ingenuity, and pride.

But the story of our ocean economy in Western Nova Scotia is not just about the past. It’s about the future.

Earlier this year, the Western REN launched a 5-part video series, Your Future, Anchored in the Ocean Economy, to shine a light on the strength, diversity, and promise of our region. The series has reached audiences across Western Nova Scotia and beyond, sparking conversations about opportunity, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Whether you’re an established business leader, an entrepreneur exploring new ideas, or a young person thinking about your next step, these stories show how the blue economy in Western Nova Scotia is full of opportunities.

Five Stories, One Region

🎬 Part 1 – We Are Western Nova Scotia

The heartbeat of our region is the ocean. This opening chapter shows how our identity and opportunities are tied to the sea — not just through traditional industries, but through emerging ones as well.

📚 Part 2 – Education & Research

From classrooms to coastal fieldwork, students in Western Nova Scotia have access to world-class learning and research that prepares them for real careers in the marine sector.

🛠️ Part 3 – We Are Boat Builders & Skilled Tradespeople

Generations of skilled tradespeople and boatbuilders continue to power our economy. Their craft is essential, and offers opportunities for the next generation to build futures here at home.

💡 Part 4 – We Are Entrepreneurs & Innovators

Innovation often starts close to home. Local entrepreneurs are turning ocean challenges into business opportunities with global impact. This chapter highlights the power of creativity, resourcefulness, and support networks in Western NS.

🌱 Part 5 – Developing Aquaculture

Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing sectors of the blue economy. Canada’s first Aquaculture Development Area is in Argyle. Backed by tradition, infrastructure, and expertise, aquaculture represents a major opportunity for sustainable growth.

Changing the Narrative

The idea for this series came out of the Western Region Innovation Strategy, part of the MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (MIT REAP). Local participants recognized a need to “change the narrative”. Not only acknowledging challenges, but highlighting the wealth of opportunity that exists here.

The videos celebrate resilience and tradition, and they also point forward. They point toward new industries, new careers, and new ways of working with the ocean. They remind us that innovation doesn’t only happen in big cities or large labs. Innovation happens in small coastal communities where people are deeply connected to their work, their environment, and their future.

Watch the Series

The Western REN would like to thank New Brooklyn Media who produced this series. Their ability to tell a story is remarkable. Each video showcases the voices, faces, and industries that make Western Nova Scotia strong.

🎥 Watch the full series now on our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/41Om0Ut

Looking Ahead

The ocean has always provided for Western Nova Scotia. By embracing innovation, education, and entrepreneurship, we can ensure it continues to do so for generations to come.

The future is anchored here. And it’s bright.

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