Minister Asks Finfish Farmers About Community Benefits

The focus on traditional industries and natural resources to build Nova Scotia’s economy is an important and necessary step forward for all Nova Scotians.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Kent Smith has issued a letter to the five current finfish aquaculture licence holders in the province as well as a licence applicant asking them to identify how they contribute positive benefits to their communities and the province.

“We have a shared responsibility to ensure that Nova Scotia and Nova Scotians benefit from the natural resources we are blessed with,” said Minister Smith. “Resource development must be done responsibly, safely and with a commitment to provide defined community and social benefits.”

The letter asks the companies to articulate the social and economic benefits they bring to the communities where they operate. This will be a new requirement in regulations that will apply to all marine finfish licence holders.

The benefits may include projects or programs such as employee development programs, annual spending at local businesses, corporate and municipal taxes, investments in local infrastructure and support for local community groups.

Minister Smith will be attending the Aqua Nor conference in Trondheim, Norway, in August to promote Nova Scotia’s farmed seafood and to learn about the advanced technology opportunities to support the aquaculture sector.

Quick Facts:

• in 2023, Nova Scotia’s aquaculture sector was valued at $120 million, employing almost 800 people
• finfish aquaculture accounted for 89 per cent ($108 million) of the value
• salmon has been sustainably farmed in Nova Scotia for more than 40 years
• salmon is consistently the most consumed seafood in Canada

Additional Resources:

Aqua Nor 2025: https://aquanor.no/en/