Upset Over Approval Of Aquaculture Sites

The approval of the sites was announced by Sterling Belliveau, the minister responsible for aquaculture.

The plan has been opposed by conservation and community groups who are concerned about the potential of the new farms to hurt the lobster fishery and of the increased pressures that the plans may have on the rural community.

The Ecology Action Centre commented that there are also worries about the potential for the spread of diseases and parasites to the wild Atlantic salmon population.

The plan for the two new salmon farms comes from leading salmon farming company, Cooke Aquaculture.

Cooke Aquaculture CEO, Glenn Cooke, commented: “We are ready to partner with both levels of government on a significant investment in Nova Scotia’s aquaculture sector– one that will bring hundreds of jobs to the region."

Mr Cooke continued to stress the importance of the project on the region, saying that the sustainable aquaculture will bring long term benefits to the area including investment and jobs, both direct and indirect.

Following up on residents and environmentalist's concerns, Mr Cooke said that strict conditions have been placed on the operation and the province will ensure that there are no "significant adverse effects" on the environment and fisheries.