Opinions clash over N.S. plan to grow aquaculture in 3-year seafood strategy

An associate director for a Halifax environmental group says there are reasons to both celebrate and be skeptical of the province’s approach to aquaculture in its recently unveiled seafood sector strategy.

Rolled out last month, Nova Scotia’s strategy outlines goals for both government and industry players for the next three years, and includes plans to grow the province’s aquaculture sector.

Shannon Arnold of the Ecology Action Centre, who works with shellfish and kelp farmers around the province, said people looking to get into low-impact sea farming often face years of delays that can discourage them. 

“It’s been very, very hard for those types of smaller independent farms to get going in Nova Scotia. So pleased to see that there are some priorities there to speed up those processes,” said Arnold. 

However, she said the centre remains concerned about the possible expansion of open-pen salmon farming in the province and how the strategy might benefit that industry. 

“We just don’t think it’s suitable,” Arnold said. 

According to the province, salmon farming represented 81 per cent of all aquaculture production in 2024 and was valued at more than $93.4 million. That same year, shellfish farming in Nova Scotia was worth $6.2 million.

In the strategy, the province said it aims to grow the aquaculture sector by establishing new sites through the aquaculture development area (ADA) process and by working with existing operators to increase productivity. 

But Doug Frantz, co-author of Salmon Wars: The Dark Underbelly of Our Favorite Fish, referred to the strategy as a “handout” for the aquaculture industry in a time of “steep austerity.”

He said the approach to streamline new sites and boost productivity at active finfish sites goes against public opposition in the province. 

“The government is reaching out to help private industry here, at the same time they’re taking money out of programs like mental health programs, libraries, museums, infrastructure,” said Frantz. 

He said there is evidence to suggest feces and antibiotics from open-pen farms leach into the ocean, affecting wild species. 

Jeff Bishop, executive director of the Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia, rejects those criticisms, calling them “inflammatory and outright false commentary.” 

He said he is pleased with the new strategy and believes it will help the seafood industry as a whole. 

“Things are changing with some of our historical markets, particularly with our friends to the south,” said Bishop. “Being ready to think about what other markets are out there, what can we be doing better on the farms to produce more seafood with the resources we have.”

Bishop said the inclusion of more ADAs — areas that have been pre-assessed for environmental impact and feasibility — will be helpful for newcomers to the sector. 

“[ADAs are] more akin to being like a business park,” said Bishop. “All of the regulatory pieces have been lined up for you.”

Fisheries Minister Kent Smith said it’s no secret the province is focused on “safe and responsible resource development,” which includes working shorelines. 

In an interview Monday, Smith said two jurisdictions are interested in ADA applications, which are led by municipalities. But he said it would be premature to share more details. 

There is one ADA in the Municipality of Argyle with 53 pre-assessed sites for shellfish and kelp farms. However, only three have been approved for development. 

MORE TOP STORIES