Aquaculture Farm at Northwest Cove Approved

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES--Aquaculture Farm at Northwest Cove Approved

A request to start an aquaculture site for rainbow trout and salmon in Northwest Cove on the Aspotegan Peninsula has been given the go-ahead by the provincial Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Minister Ernest Fage announced today.

"My decision to approve this site is based on the results of environmental and scientific analysis, public consultation and a thorough government agency review." said Mr. Fage.

"Biologists, scientists and conservation officers at the provincial and federal levels, as well as a private environmental consultant, investigated the viability of the site and have indicated the farm, with certain conditions is not an environmental risk."

Aquafish Technology, which already has another Lunenburg County aquaculture farm at nearby Tilley Cove, will use the Northwest Cove site, near Horse Island, as a growout operation.

There will be conditions attached to the approval, including:

• that the farm meet all the recommendations contained in the environmental screening report;

• that a community/government monitoring committee will be created to review the performance and compliance of the farm on a yearly basis;

• that the licence will be issued for 10 years, with a review after three years. If the conditions are met, the farm will continue operating; if conditions are not met, it will close. The decision will be made at the end of the third year.

• that Aquafish Technology must take immediate action to resolve complaints about the Tilley Cove site.

"It was determined the majority of the issues raised during the review process can be addressed with known technology," Mr. Fage said.

"It is always a challenge to find a balance for all the users of our coastal resource. We see how much is happening already in this area. Residents and tourists enjoy the beauty of their coastline, there are lobster, tuna and mackerel fisheries, and two processing plants in Northwest Cove. As well, boaters, swimmers and other aquaculture operators use the area."

The two-year environmental assessment and department analysis looked at various concerns and determined there will be no negative impact on nearby fisheries, water quality, sea birds, ocean floor or boaters.

"Fish farming is a legitimate user of the coastal resources of Nova Scotia." said Fage. "I have personally met with the proponent, some community members and the local MLA. I have reviewed the environmental assessment and other materials and I believe the site meets all the necessary requirements for approval."

The provincial Department of Agriculture and Fisheries will follow up shortly to ensure the development of an industry, community and government liaison monitoring group.

For additional information on aquaculture, please see the department's Web site: www.gov.ns.ca/nsaf

cmg 26 July 2001 12:55 P.M.