Millbrook First Nation Hatchery
A FIRST FOR MANY
Millbrook hatchery represents Octaform’s first endeavor into Aquaculture, after numerous successes in containment tanks since 1997.
The aquaculture operation was the dream of Millbrook First Nation, a Mi’kmaq community that calls Nova Scotia home.
Working closely with Octaform, Millbrook First Nation first put forward a proposal to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to start an aquaculture operation. The feasibility study and business plan were accepted in 2002. Construction was completed in 2003. This was the first aquaculture facility to be run by a First Nation in Canada, and it was also one of the first land-based systems in Atlantic Canada.
Millbrook First Nation has been running a very successful business ever since, and with the Octaform Tanks being situated directly within the community they serve as a daily visual reminder of the band’s enterprising success.
A SUSTAINABLE CYCLE
The Octaform tanks allow the band to easily collect the nitrate wastes from the tank water which are then converted to non-toxic nitrates, which get used by their nearby greenhouse for growing aquaponic bedding and annual plants. The nitrate from the fish farm next door is used as feed which is an extremely efficient and environmentally responsible way to dispose of the effluent. A variety of traditional Aboriginal healing herbs is grown as well.
PVC MAKES MAINTENANCE EASY
Millbrook First Nation is currently producing Rainbow Trout in a partnership with Sustainable Blue, a Canadian company located in Centre Burlington, Nova Scotia. About 25 people, primarily members of the Millbrook Band, are employed year-round.
This successful Octaform Aquaculture project has been operating maintenance-free since 2003 and has also been featured on the Government of Canada’s website for Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maritimes Region.
The PVC finish is proven to have the lowest adhesion for harmful bacteria and requires less cleaning and less time to complete cleaning cycles.
