Teaming up to identify aquaculture development areas
Province, Municipality of Argyle launching new initiative
The province and the Municipality of Argyle are partnering to establish aquaculture development areas.
The two levels of government have entered into a three-year agreement to identify areas with potential for environmentally sustainable aquaculture.
The agreement is said to be 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 Nova Scotia 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.
“As a council, we focus on the assets we have in the region, which include ideal conditions for oyster and other aquaculture growth,” said Argyle Warden Danny Muise. “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 to provide more opportunities for our residents to work, live and play here.”