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Healthy Bays Network calls on Nova Scotia political parties to state their position on open-net pen fish feedlots

Here is our open letter to provincial political party leaders.

___________


Tim Houston, Leader of

Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia


Zach Churchill, Leader of

Liberal Party of Nova Scotia 


Claudia Chender, Leader of

New Democratic Party of Nova Scotia


Anthony Edmonds, Leader of

Green Party of Nova Scotia


November 7, 2024


I am writing on behalf of the Healthy Bays Network, a province-wide organization that connects coastal community groups and others who care about healthy harbours, marine ecosystems and communities. 


We are trying to ascertain who, amongst our representatives, shares our concerns over  our coastal bays and inlets.


We are opposed to Open Net Pen Fish Feedlots, and support the transition away from this outmoded form of industrial aquaculture, similar to what is happening in British Columbia and elsewhere in other international jurisdictions. We are in favour of sustainable shellfish aquaculture that is supported by the community and the sustainable harvesting of sea plants.


A transition to land-based operations is a win-win situation for Nova Scotia. Not only are vulnerable coastal ecosystems and valuable fish habitats protected, but the industry can grow fish in an environment where temperature and oxygen levels can be controlled, without parasitic sea lice or fish escapes.


The past three consecutive provincial governments have promoted the expansion of this dirty industry despite consistent opposition by citizens of this province, especially those who live, work and play in coastal communities.


Despite promising to listen to the voices of Nova Scotians, the current Progressive Conservative provincial government has said that it supports an expansion of this industry. There was a regulatory review of the Aquaculture Regulations under the current government, but nothing substantive has changed in terms of providing for input from Nova Scotians who live in coastal areas where this industry operates. Current regulatory and administrative rules in the application process are highly restrictive of community input


This last government has also promised a coastal classification system that will identify suitability for Open Net Pen Finfish Feedlots, to be released in March of 2025. Still, to date, there has been no consultation with the general public. This classification system may further limit the input of the public when social license is not seen as a factor in determining suitability.


This map of existing and proposed lease applications highlights the current concentration of fish farms and the overlap with valuable lobster and other fishing grounds. 






As concerned citizens of this province, we are asking that you outline your position on Open Net Pen Fish Feedlots.


  • Are you opposed to the expansion of this industry?

  • Do you support a transition away from this method of production as they are doing in British Columbia?

  • Will you support a healthy alternative and use of our marine resources in the form of sustainable shellfish aquaculture and the sustainable harvesting of sea plants in areas where coastal communities are supportive?


Please let us know in writing where your party stands by November 15.


Thank you,


Wendy Watson Smith  

President, Healthy Bays Network 

(902) 885-2139


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