Snow Island Withdraws Lease Application
Snow Island Salmon Inc. advised the province the company is withdrawing one of three applications for salmon farms on the Eastern Shore.
Snow Island Inc., a subsidiary of Loch Duart, a Scottish-based salmon producer, had applied for permits for three, 18-hectare salmon farms at Shoal Bay, Spry Bay, and Beaver Harbour, all in Halifax Regional Municipality.
"Environmental and economic development concerns are being carefully considered and no final decisions had been made on these applications," said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau.
The Beaver Harbour application is being withdrawn by Snow Island based of its proximity to wild salmon populations.
"Snow Island has asked the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to withdrawal its application for a farm in Beaver Harbour," said Shane Borthwick, vice-president operations, Snow Island. "Snow Island, in conjunction with government, conservation groups and the scientific community, is working to further understand wild salmon migration routes along the Eastern Shore.
"Snow Island will continue to work with local communities, regulators and stakeholders to establish a responsible, world class salmon farming model that will bring new economic opportunities to rural Nova Scotia."
A Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture public meeting gathered input in February and the minister and department have continued consultations. The two other applications are in the review stage.
"This government is committed to science-based decisions that strike the right balance between environmental concerns and allowing the industry to develop in a sustainable way," said Mr. Belliveau.
Nova Scotia's aquaculture industry is one of the most diverse in the world. The province cultivates many different species of finfish and shellfish, as well as Irish moss and other sea plants, and has the largest land-based production facility in the world.
The aquaculture sector is a significant contributor to the economies of rural and coastal communities, with worth about $50 million annually and supporting 750 direct and more than 1,000 indirect jobs.