Municipality of Argyle, Province To Identify Aquaculture Development Areas

The province and the Municipality of the District of Argyle are partnering to establish aquaculture development areas that help grow the economy.

The two levels of government have entered into a three-year agreement to identify areas with potential for environmentally sustainable aquaculture. The agreement is the first of its kind in Nova Scotia and the first example in Canada of this approach to aquaculture development.

“I want to commend municipal leaders in Argyle for approaching us to work with them to reduce barriers to growth for aquaculture operators in their area,” said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell. “Aquaculture, carried out environmentally, is important to food security, economic development, job growth and the growing success of Nova Scotia’s leading seafood exports.”

Under the agreement, the province will work with the municipality to research and identify potential development areas while considering the environment, other marine users and opportunities for shellfish and marine plant aquaculture sites. This work will take the burden off potential operators as well as current operators who may not have the resources to carry out these important steps.

Quotes:

“As a council, we focus on the assets we have in the region, which include ideal conditions for oyster and other aquaculture growth. Our interest in establishing an aquaculture development area is to remove some of the barriers of entry into this complex regulatory environment, to support new and existing companies in this industry, and provide more opportunities for our residents to work, live and play here.”

– Danny Muise, warden of the Municipality of the District of Argyle

Quick Facts:

• aquaculture development areas, once identified through professional research, analysis and public consultation, will be subject to the approval process outlined in the act
• a lease and licence are required to operate a marine aquaculture site, including within aquaculture development areas
• investors are not limited to aquaculture development areas and may explore other areas within the province for marine aquaculture development
• Nova Scotia has been Canada’s top seafood exporter for four years in a row, valued at more than $2 billion, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of Canada’s total seafood exports
• in 2018, aquaculture in the province was valued at more than $88 million and directly employed 520 Nova Scotians with 149 companies farming fish

Additional Resources:

For more information on the Municipality of Argyle visit: https://munargyle.com/

For more information on aquaculture development areas, visit: https://novascotia.ca/fish/aquaculture/research-development/

For more information on the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture visit: https://novascotia.ca/fish

For more information on the Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act and Regulations visit: https://novascotia.ca/fish/laws-and-regulations/