St. Margarets Bay Aquaculture Group

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell is asking that a community-based aquaculture advisory group be formed to provide advice on aquaculture development in the Halifax Regional Municipality portion of St. Margarets Bay.

Interest in the area recently has highlighted the need for full community input, he said.

"I have a responsibility to hear every concern and an obligation to be fair to all groups," said Mr. Colwell. "This will be the community's chance to provide their best advice on use of the water."

An advertisement for community volunteers will appear later this week. Applications may also be sent to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, P.O. Box 2223, Halifax, N.S., B3J 3C4, fax 902-424-1766 or e-mail [email protected] . Once a committee is chosen, meetings will be scheduled.

Mr. Colwell said developing workable partnerships is key for the growth of aquaculture in Nova Scotia. He expects aquaculturists to work closely with communities when they develop their business plans.

The minister said a regional aquaculture development advisory committee, known as a RADAC, is being set up for this specific area of St. Margarets Bay because aquaculture issues on the east side are more pressing and the county line is the natural division in the community. He offered the department's assistance in helping to set up the group.