Nova Scotia's government is putting marine-based aquaculture site applications on hold

A newly struck panel reports on ways to improve the rules surrounding aquaculture development. The panel — headed by two environmental law experts from Dalhousie University, Bill Lahey and Meinhard Doelle — will not report back until after the next provincial election.

N.S. moves to modernize 'weak' aquaculture regulations

Panel will examine regulations

Paul Withers, CBC News

May 1, 2013

The Nova Scotia government is lending $25 million to Cooke Aquaculture Inc. to expand its operations in Shelburne, Digby and Truro. (CBC)

Nova Scotia's NDP government is putting new marine-based aquaculture site applications on hold until a newly struck panel reports on ways to improve the rules surrounding aquaculture development.

The panel — headed by two environmental law experts from Dalhousie University, Bill Lahey and Meinhard Doelle — will not report back until after the next provincial election.

Fisheries Minister Sterling Belliveau said public consultations will begin this summer.

"The department will rely on these recommendations to draft new, world-class aquaculture regulations. These new regulations will be put in place as soon as possible, hopefully by the end of 2014," Belliveau said Wednesday.

The panel has been given 12 to 18 months to research, consult and report back and has an initial budget of $300,000. Lahey and Doelle will receive a total of $130,000 for their efforts.

The decision to put the brakes on new projects during the review is largely symbolic. Snow Island's Spry Harbour applicationn is the only project before the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Read the whole story here

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2013/05/01/ns-aquaculture-panel.html

Fishy timing on aquaculture file

May 1, 2013 CHRONICLE HERALD

Since releasing its ambitious aquaculture strategy a year ago, and financially helping Cooke Aquaculture expand salmon farming in Nova Scotia, the provincial government has been snoozing like an oyster bed on its promise to improve environmental regulation of the industry.

But the shell suddenly sprang open on Wednesday.

Fisheries Minister Sterling Belliveau announced a team of two experts, supported by no less than two committees (one of stakeholders, one of scientists), will conduct a public consultation to recommend aquaculture regulations and enforcement measures that protect coastal communities, traditional fisheries and the environment.

It’s a welcome move. Creating public confidence that the industry can and will be managed responsibly, and without harm to other species, is crucial to community acceptance and to aquaculture’s future in the province.

Read the whole story here:

http://thechronicleherald.ca/editorials/1126383-editorial-fishy-timing-on-aquaculture-file#.UYGsxObDhCI.facebook

New regulations planned for aquaculture in Nova Scotia

May 1, 2013  — South Coast Today

The province says it is protecting coastal communities by introducing an "aquaculture framework", according to a news release Wednesday.

Includes consultation
Fisheries and Aquaculture minister Sterling Belliveau announced a government plan to develop a new regulatory framework for the aquaculture industry, including consultations with Nova Scotians. "People who live in coastal communities want good jobs, but not at any cost," said Mr. Belliveau. "This government recognizes that the aquaculture industry is an important part of rural communities. By developing strong regulations and enforcement we will help the industry grow in a way that balances economic development and environmental protection."

(…)

Years of pollution ignored?
"The NDP government has never shown any willingness to enforce the regulations that already exist," she (Gloria Gilbert, one of several advocates from six coastal communities affected by salmon and trout aquaculture) told SCT. "They have ignored years of pollution data and disease outbreaks. They have been completely silent on the conviction of Cooke Aquaculture for illegal pesticide use."

Regulations have never protected communities, she adds, saying that regulations have had no effect on the practices of open pen aquaculture companies. "Fishing communities have been living with disease, escaped fish, pollution and pesticides for years. If the government really wanted to do something about the effects of open net pen aquaculture, they would have done so by now."

It is anticipated the department will receive recommendations to develop regulations by the end of 2014.

Read the whole story here:

http://www.southcoasttoday.ca/content/new-regulations-planned-aquaculture-nova-scotia