Stewart Lamont, a lobster processor at Tanger Lobster, was
one of the speakers.
"The status quo is a wild west show in Nova Scotia in
terms of what can be done in open net pen farms," he said.
In total, 33 groups called on the province to implement
recommendations of an expert panel, which called for a complete overhaul of
aquaculture regulations.
The Doelle Lahey report released last month said government
has to do a better job incorporating community concerns when salmon farms are
considered.
They say a total overhaul of the regulations surrounding
aquaculture development is needed to restore the industries credibility in
coastal Nova Scotia.
The report validates claims government isn’t listening to
local concerns about fish farms.
“They were not listening to us as people, as communities,
they were not listening to us as knowledgeable experts,” said Gloria Gilbert of
Coastal Community Advocates.
“There is a lot of mistrust and rightly so given the way it
was,” said Keith Colwell, the minister of fisheries and aquaculture.
He said a review is underway and promised the results in
April. But he wouldn’t sign off on one of the report’s key recommendations: the
creation of a red, yellow or green zone for development.
He did say some areas will be off limits.
“I’m sure when we are done the general public will be very
happy with what we’re doing, as well as the industry,” Mr Colwell said.
The report also says there is a place for fish farms in Nova
Scotia and that the competing interests can be balanced.
Read more HERE.
The Aquaculturists
This blog is maintained by The Aquaculturists staff and is supported by the
magazine International Aquafeed which is published by Perendale Publishers Ltd
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