APES´ question to the political parties of Nova Scotia:

Do you support the further development of open pen fish farming in Nova Scotia?
(From Wendy Watson Smith)

Sept. 17, 2013

OOpen pen aquaculture is an unsustainable method that has failed to create the promised jobs, and has failed to maintain environmental neutrality. There are much more sustainable land-based aquaculture systems that are up and running in Nova Scotia that can be very good models of how this industry should be done. Greens would support expanding those initiatives.


The Liberal Party will invest in sustainable aquaculture operations, with a focus on small businesses and provide funding for research and development for land-based aquaculture projects. Government commissioned a review of current regulations in July 2012 – something Liberals have been calling for since November 2010. We have called for a moratorium on any new open water sites to be issued for aquaculture in Nova Scotia until this review is completed. We need to improve the practices, regulations and education around aquaculture if we are going to grow this important industry and assure Nova Scotians that it can be done safely.


Aquaculture operations must benefit the economy and avoid harming communities and the environment. The NDP has ensured that strong new regulations are being developed, with a solid base of public engagement and scientific advice. The NS Salmon Association, NS Fisheries Sector Council, Ecology Action Centre, Aquaculture Association and Union of NS Municipalities are part of the review, led by Meinhard Doelle and William Lahey. No new applications will be approved until the review is done. Aquaculture is one of the world’s fastest growing industries. Nova Scotians are taking the time to get it right, not at any cost.

The current open-pen salmon farm rubber-stamp policy of the NDP does not have the confidence of Nova Scotians and many in the industry. The PC Party supports sustainable aquaculture and the jobs that go with it. It will ensure a regulatory and environmental approval process is in place that has the confidence of the residents and the industry participants. A Progressive Conservative government will make sure the aquaculture industry grows and develops in the right way: with community support, science-based proven safeguards and clear regulations that enhance the value of our products and protect our coastlines and communities.

http://www.cbc.ca/elections/nsvotes2013/features/view/your-vote