Public Consultation on Aquaculture Begins

The public now has an opportunity to provide input on the future of the aquatic farming industry.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries kicked off its two- month public consultation today, Feb. 3, on the future of aquaculture development in Nova Scotia.

"It's important that we hear from a full spectrum of people, from biologists and researchers to aquatic farmers and coastal land owners," said Chris d'Entremont, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. "The future success of aquaculture is dependent upon how well we manage it."

Three workshops will be held for people in the industry and one workshop for government regulators, representatives from academic institutions, regional development agencies, and selected non- governmental organizations.

Growing our Future: Long-Term Planning for Aquatic Farming in Nova Scotia, a document written by the department, will be used to generate discussion on important issues related to the future of aquaculture growth and sustainability.

Nova Scotians are also invited and encouraged to participate. The discussion document is available on the department website at www.gov.ns.ca/nsaf/aquaculture .

The consultation period continues until March 31 then the department will prepare a new aquaculture development strategy for Nova Scotia.

For more information or to provide comments contact the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries by e-mail at: [email protected]; by fax at: 902-424-1766 or by mail at: Aquaculture Division, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, P.O. Box 2223, Halifax, N.S. B3J 3C4 Attention: Aquaculture Public Consultation.

Note: Consultation meetings for aquatic farmers will be held:

Monday, Feb. 21, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Riverview Room, Jenkins Hall, Nova Scotia Agricultural College, Truro

Tuesday, Feb. 22, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Rodd Colony Inn, Yarmouth

Thursday, Feb. 24, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Maritime Inns, Port Hawksbury

A consultation meeting for regulators, institutions, and non- government organizations will be held: Monday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, 1723 Hollis St., Halifax