Matthew Atlantic
Frilled anenomes near Matthew Atlantic dive site (Photo: Kim Langille)
News and Events
Pathways of Effects for Finfish and Shellfish Aquaculture - Report Published
January 2010 
In October 2009, a workshop was organized in Ottawa by the DFO Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) to examine environmental effects of aquaculture. The final report from the workshop will be used to develop a framework for regulation of the aquaculture sector in Canada.
Ron Loucks, representing Friends of Port Mouton Bay, participated in this workshop. Other attendees included representatives from government, industry, non-governmental organizations and First Nations.
- Summary Report - Pathways of Effects for Finfish and Shellfish Aquaculture, Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat, Science Advisory Report 2009/071
- Full 24 page report (PDF)
Port Mouton Bay - Boat Rally
July 10, 2009
Local fishermen and Friends organized a rally of fishing boats to demonstrate where the second fish farm had been planned. Check out the gorgeous aerial photos of the rally and the Bay!
Friends of Port Mouton Bay - Winners of Tooker Gomberg Media Award
June 23, 2009
“Friends of Port Mouton Bay” are delighted to be recipients of Tooker Gomberg Award. The award, given by the Ecology Acton Centre (EAC) is given to person or event that “most creatively and brilliantly ‘made the news’ in the past year”. See Ecology Action Centre Awards Page for more information.
EAC also announced that Dirk Van Loon and Anne Gray were winners of the Bubby Mooers Award for their work in establishing the Harrison Lewis Coastal Centre in Port Joli, Queens County. See more details.
Moratorium on Finfish Aquaculture Announced!
On March 12, 2009 the Premier of Nova Scotia, Rodney MacDonald, announced an “indefinite” moratorium on more finfish aquaculture operations in Port Mouton Bay. The announcement, made at a Queens County Chamber of Commerce event, was met with a great round of applause.
Read the press coverage:
- NovaNewsNow: Premier announces surprise moratorium on Port Mouton Bay fish farming
- Chronicle Herald: Province rejects finfish aquaculture plans
Sincere THANKS to our many, many supporters for their hard work, and unflagging determination over the past two and half years!
As long as the moratorium is in place, we have achieved ONE of our TWO goals. One goal remains - closure of the fish farm off Spectacle Island. So while we celebrate this success, we know our work continues!
Local Fishermen, Community Leaders and Scientists Meet to Discuss the Future of one of Nova Scotia's Fragile Ecosystems
February 25, 2009
“Friends of Port Mouton Bay” (FPMB) have called an emergency press conference to discuss and demonstrate the increasing pollution and resulting degradation of Port Mouton Bay since Aquaculture Site 0835 (Spectacle Island) was established in 1995. Read the complete News Release.
Media Coverage on our Press Conference
Many members of the press attended our press conference. In addition to excellent coverage by CBC Radio, and Global TV today, the following articles have been published:
- CBC Nova Scotia: Proposed N.S. salmon farm meets more opposition
- The Chronicle Herald: Not another fish farm - Port Mouton group say aquaculture hurts fishery; company disagrees
- Mark Robert's report available at:
- The Nova Scotia Business Journal: 'Friends' take aquaculture fight to Province House, and at,
- NovaNewsNow (The Advance): 'Friends' of bay taking aquaculture fight to Province House - Members allege large farm has been approved
- The Fish Site: Farming in Nova Scotia: Fishermen Predict Disaster
Rural Delivery - The Fight for Port Mouton Bay
June 5, 2008
Rural Delivery publishes an article, The Fight for Port Mouton Bay (PDF), (by Jennifer Ford) about our ongoing opposition to the proposed fish farm expansion; opposition based on our own research, and experience with the existing fish farm.
A fishy questionnaire from Queens County
August 31, 2007
The Queens County Advance is holding a questionaire on the Port Mouton Bay fish farm. Everyone is invited to respond and comment on the existing fish farm and proposed expansion plans.
Divers Kathy and Dave Brush : What They Found in Port Mouton Bay
August 21, 2007
Listen to an interview of Kathy and Dave Brush about their dives in Port Mouton Bay. And view their underwater pictures.
The Advance - Eyewitness account debated over aquaculture farm
August 18, 2007
Read Leanne Delong's article, Eyewitness account debated over aquaculture farm, on Kathy and Dave Brush, and their dives in Port Mouton Bay.
Beverley Ware, The Halifax Herald
July 28, 2007
Beverley Ware, The Halifax Herald, spoke to Ron Loucks and Ruth Smith about the proposed fish farm in Port Mouton Bay, and the studies that have been done by the community. Read her article titled: Experts: Fish farm should be stopped (PDF).
Letter from Gerald Keddy, MP
July 18, 2007
Gerald Keddy, MP could not attend the July 18th community meeting. Read his letter to “Friends” restating his opposition to the fish farm expansion.
Community Meeting - Port Mouton
July 18, 2007
“Friends” held a well-attended community meeting at the West Queens Rec Centre to review the status of the fish farm application, and present research collected by “Friends”. Full meeting details including presentation slides.
The Chronicle Herald
April 28, 2007
In his article, Battle of Port Mouton Bay: trouble in fish farming (PDF), Ralph Surette expresses his views on the proposed fish farm, and government's promotion and regulation of the aquaculture industry.
CKBW Radio
March 25, 2007
Listen to Sheldon MacLeod speak with Blair Davis about the proposed fish farm. Listen now (Windows Media File, 1.3Mb)
Friends of Port Mouton Bay - Rally
March 18, 2007
About 150 enthusiatic people attended the rally at South West Port Mouton Beach to show opposition to the proposed fish farm. Local lobster fishermen participated by forming a parade of boats just off the beach.
The crowd, waving "Fish Farms put Port Mouton Bay at RISK" signs, listened to Darlene Norman, Vicki Conrad, MLA for Queens, and Darrell Dexter, leader of the Nova Scotia NDP declare their opposition to the proposed fish farm.
Global Maritimes TV
March 15 and 18, 2007
Watch news clips produced by Global TV Evening News, one before the rally, and one at the rally. Watch now: March 15 (Windows Media File, 14.4Mb) and March 18 (Windows Media File, 11.5Mb).
CJCH Radio
March 15, 2007
Listen to Rick Howe discuss the proposed fish farm with Blair Davis of Port Mouton. Radio spot supplied courtesy of "The Hotline with Rick Howe, 92/CJCH". Listen now (Windows Media File, 500k)
Community Meeting - Port Mouton
March 4, 2007
More than 60 people attended a Sunday afternoon meeting at the West Queens Rec Centre called to review the status of the proposed new fish farm project. Fishers, lawyers, politicians, oceanographers and teachers were among the many who reiterated the importance of the natural quality of the area to many local and thriving industries.
Meeting attendees asserted their commitment to vigorously bringing their concerns to government officials. Future meetings to deal with strategy for a public hearing and possible protests are being planned. (See picture of meeting)
Aqua Fish Farm posts Navigable Waters Protection Announcement
February 26, 2007
Under the Environmental Assessment Review process, projects like Aqua Fish Farm's project are assessed for their impact on marine navigation. This public comment period for has now closed. View details and related documents.
Premier visits Port Mouton
November 28, 2006
Premier Rodney MacDonald met with Queens County locals, including those who oppose the proposed fish farm expansion in Port Mouton Bay.
Debate in the Legislature on resolution opposing the application
November 22, 2006
The Friends of Port Mouton Bay were in the gallery during a discussion on Resolution 1024 put forward by the opposition. The Resolution reads:
"Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly support the efforts of the community and the members of The Friends of Port Mouton Bay in their working to preserve Port Mouton Bay from the proposed expansion of Aqua Fish Farm's current development."
The Ministers of Fisheries and the Environment met with the group following the sitting of the Legislature.
Read the Hansard transcript
Presentation by Inka Milewski
November 15, 2006
Inka Milewski, marine biologist, spoke about the environmental, sustainable and economical aspects of salmon farming. See photos and slides.
Queens Progressive Conservative Association
November 16, 2006
The Association takes a stand against the application.
Open House hosted by Aqua Fish Farms
November 13 and 14, 2006
Two open house sessions held by the company were well attended. The company presented Information on their proposed project, and fielded questions from attendees.
Aqua Fish Farms address Region of Queens Municipality Council
November 15, 2006
Representatives presented information on their company, and the proposed expansion to their salmon farm operation in Port Mouton Bay. Councillors and the Major posed many questions to company officials.
Further discussion on Aqua Fish Farms in the Provincial Legislature
November 14, 2006
Read the Hansard transcript
Discussion on Aqua Fish Farms in the Provincial Legislature
November 1, 2006
Read the Hansard transcript
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture address Region of Queens Municipality Council
October 24, 2006
Officials from the provincial department made a presentation describing aquauculture as "The Blue Revolution"; a rural-based industry that is environmentally and economically sustainable.
Region of Queens Municipality vote on Aqua Fish Farms application
August 21, 2006
The Council votes unanimously to oppose Aqua Fish Farm application to expand its operations. Read the letter sent to the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.