New Mapping Tool Supports Aquaculture Growth
The Province has a new mapping tool that helps identify the suitability of coastal areas for aquaculture development is now available. (Province of Nova Scotia / File)
A new mapping tool that helps identify the suitability of coastal areas for aquaculture development is now available.
“Aquaculture is a key economic growth opportunity for Nova Scotia,” said Kent Smith, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “Access to scientific data provides the aquaculture industry greater confidence in choosing suitable areas for aquaculture development, supporting responsible growth and contributing to coastal communities.”
The Coastal Classification System is a provincewide mapping tool that includes data related to conditions such as water depth and temperature, distance from protected areas and navigation routes. It helps show where coastal conditions may present more or fewer challenges for aquaculture development in Nova Scotia.
The publicly available information tool rates suitability for oysters, mussels, salmon and trout aquaculture. It supports early planning but does not replace the aquaculture licensing process, which would include public input.
Information on the coastal classification tool is available at: https://novascotia.ca/aquaculture-coastal-classification-system/
Quotes:
“Data sets and information resources are key for decision making in business – and the aquaculture business is no different. This new coastal classification tool pulls together a number of these technical resources – and starts to inform someone looking to start or expand an existing aquaculture business in Nova Scotia. Choosing the best accessible, growing areas for our farms is part of responsible, sustainable growth in aquaculture. And it means putting meals on the tables of Nova Scotians for years to come.”
— Jeff Bishop, Executive Director, Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia
Quick Facts:
- the aquaculture industry employs almost 800 people and generates about $120 million every year for Nova Scotia’s economy
- in February, the Province sought feedback from Nova Scotians on the development of the tool
- it was developed in partnership with the Centre for Marine Applied Research, a division of Perennia
- it is in response to a recommendation from the 2015 Doelle-Lahey Report, which called for more transparent, science-based planning tools to support responsible aquaculture development in Nova Scotia
- its development was supported by federal and provincial agencies, project-specific committees and the Nova Scotia aquaculture science advisory committee
Additional Resources:
News release – Province Seeks Feedback on New Online Mapping Tool for Developing Aquaculture: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/02/28/province-seeks-feedback-new-online-mapping-tool-developing-aquaculture
Centre for Marine Applied Research: https://cmar.ca/
Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia: https://seafarmers.ca/