Six sites pre-approved for aquaculture development
Six sites in Lobster Bay and Pubnico Harbour are now pre-approved for shellfish and marine plant aquaculture as part of an aquaculture pilot project aimed at saving time with pre-approved sites for growing shellfish and marine plants.
Argyle Aquaculture Development Area is a pilot project created by the Municipality of Argyle and the Nova Scotia government with a goal of reducing the time it takes for an aquaculture operation to acquire a licence.
Over four years, the municipality worked with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and other partners to collect scientific data in designated areas to identify potential operating sites.
The data was shared with community groups and during public engagement as part of the review process. Typically, this would occur after the licence was obtained.
The province says it is the first time a municipality in Canada has been involved in designating an area for aquaculture development.
"Municipal and department staff have worked together over the past four years to make this project a reality,” said Kent Smith, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “It's a proactive approach to aquaculture development to support local economies and sustainable shellfish and marine plant farming. Sites were reviewed by the Department, working with federal and provincial government partners and the municipality.”
The Argyle Aquaculture Development Area includes sites in Lobster Bay and Pubnico Harbour that will be developed in phases over time. Applications for the first six available sites opened on April 15.
The province says other sites will be developed in phases too, and the pilot project will be evaluated and adjusted as needed.
The Department and the municipality signed a memorandum of understanding in February 2020 to develop the aquaculture development area.
"Argyle is thrilled to host the first aquaculture development area in North America," said Warden Danny Muise. "We already host great oyster producers in our region, and this announcement allows for streamlined oyster growth in our waters, which we believe to be an excellent way to provide other income options for our fishing community.”
QUICK FACTS
• A lease and licence are required to operate a marine aquaculture site, including within an aquaculture development area.
• The Argyle project supports a recommendation made by the aquaculture regulatory review committee to have effective approval processes for both small and large operators.
• In 2022, aquaculture in Nova Scotia was valued at $158 million and directly employed about 800 people in rural and coastal communities.