Heighton, who was inducted as a Mariner, was one of three individuals recognized for their efforts in making “major impacts” in the marine industry during ceremonies held at the Eastern Canadian Fisheries Exposition in Yarmouth.
The Atlantic Canada Marine Industries Hall of Fame was developed by The Navigator Magazine in partnership with Master Promotions Ltd (MPL).
MPL spokeswoman Denise Miller said in a news release that Heighton has spent the bulk of his lifetime working on the water and also striving for the betterment of the fishing industry in the Maritimes,
Heighton has almost 50 years experience fishing lobster and herring and he also fished ground fish for more than 30 years.
He has a Fishing Master IV and has taken several courses in leadership and communication.
Heighton currently serves as the president of the Gulf of Nova Scotia Fleet Planning Board (GNSFP), has been the vice-president for the Canadian Council of Professional Fish Harvesters (CCPFH) for the past three terms and is a long standing board member of the CCPFH.
He also serves as president of the Northumberland Fishermen’s Association and for more than 25 years has participated in multiple Nova Scotia Gulf species advisory committees. He is also a member of the Northumberland Fishermen’s Association and the Lobster Council of Canada and he has volunteered to be part of the Technical Advisory Committee for the recently released Fishing Vessel Stability Simulator program, which is meant to enhance the safety of fish harvesters across Canada.
Beyond his direct fisheries work, Heighton also volunteers with harbour authorities and he has done volunteer work for the Northumberland Fisheries Museum.
The three individuals were nominated by their peers and chosen by a selection committee.
The other two recipients are Louisburg-based processing company leader Joe Anthony, who was being inducted as a Processor and Mercury Marine representative Arthur McNeil of Baddeck who was inducted posthumously as a Builder.
