In an open letter to Nova Scotia political party leaders, we asked them to state their position on open-net pen fish feedlots. We asked:
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?
Here are their responses:
The Nova Scotia New Democratic Party
The Nova Scotia New Democrats appreciate the work of the Healthy Bays Network and
its ten member organizations in their support for the province’s transition away from
open-net pen (ONP) fish farms in our coastal waters.
Recognizing the strong opposition to ONP fish farms in our coastal communities, in 2012 the New Democrat government declared a moratorium on new licenses and commissioned the Doelle-Lahey panel to examine the troubled industry and suggest changes. The panel travelled extensively throughout the province and captured people’s concerns.
In 2013, before the panel’s final report was released, the New Democratic government
was defeated in a Provincial election and was replaced by Liberals. The following year,
2014, the panel’s report, A New Regulatory Framework for Low-Impact/High-Value
Aquaculture in Nova Scotia was published. Unfortunately, most of their
recommendations were never realized.
Nearly a decade later, in 2023, Davis Pier Consulting conducted a comprehensive review of the province’s aquaculture regulations. The conclusion was that the current regulations are a fine start, yet much work remains to be done around regulatory rightsizing, transparency, and public participation. The NDP introduced the Aquaculture Transparency Act to give more Nova Scotians more information about what is happening in their backyards.
Coastal communities, homeowners, businesses, scientists, the lobster industry, the recreational fishery, which is deeply concerned about the impact of ONPs on wild salmon
populations, all have come out strongly opposed to the ONP fish farms. They have
joined forces with similar opposition on the West Coast, where, under federal jurisdiction
ONPs have been ordered out of the water by 2029.
In 2020, the Nova Scotia New Democrats unanimously adopted a resolution opposing open-net pens. The NDP Caucus has supported the movement to transition the industry away from ONP technology to closed containment, zero effluent ways to grow fish, and to the
responsible cultivation of shellfish and sea plants.
So, in answer to your questions, yes we oppose expansion of the ONP industry and
recognize that important lessons will be available from development of the BC
transition.
The Nova Scotia Liberal Party
Are you opposed to the expansion of this industry?
It’s clear that the aquaculture review process needs to be improved in Nova Scotia. We
believe that all voices, especially those of our coastal communities, should be
considered when making decisions about the future of our marine ecosystems. A Nova
Scotia Liberal government will engage in conversations with all stakeholders to ensure
that we are moving forward with a method that benefits our province. We support
increased opportunity for oyster farms, and other shellfish aquaculture. We are not
looking to expand fin fish aquaculture.
Do you support a transition away from this method of production as they are doing in
British Columbia?
We’re committed to working with communities and aquaculture experts to examine the
use of this practice and ensure that we are taking strong action to protect our oceans,
our coastlines, and our communities. This same principle underlies our commitment to
proclaim the Coastal Protection Act on day one.
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?
We strongly support expanding shellfish aquaculture and sea plant harvesting, and want to work to ensure these applications can be expedited in areas where coastal communities are
supportive. This is a major economic opportunity for our province, and can contribute to a clean, healthy ocean.
The Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative Party
As cost of living is on the front of the minds of Nova Scotians, it's important to
acknowledge the value that open-pen fish farming brings to Nova Scotia's economy.
Last year, the industry produced over $100 million in farmed fish, providing stable
income for hundreds of families and supporting coastal communities.
While we recognize the concerns some residents have about the expansion of the
industry, we believe that decisions regarding its future should be based on thorough,
independent evaluations. An independent board has been established to assess all
relevant information and make informed decisions. For those in the community who feel
their voices aren't being heard, we are committed to ensure that their concerns are a
part of this process.
In terms of supporting a transition, it's essential to balance economic growth with
environmental sustainability. We remain committed to engaging in environmental
concerns, while protecting our critical Aquaculture industry.
Ultimately, our focus remains on ensuring that any decision made is in the best interest
of Nova Scotians, with consideration for both economic opportunity and environmental
stewardship.
The Nova Scotia Green Party
No response from the Green Party
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