Proposed Salmon Farm
Proposed location in the Bay (Larger Image)
Proposed location and dimensions (Larger Image)
Proposed Site Plan (Larger Image)
Above diagrams presented by Aqua Fish Farm at Open House, November 13 and 14, 2006.
The Situation
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. Read more >
Below we describe the proposed project, and the status of this project in the review process.
In the following web pages, we explain why we are opposed to this salmon farm. Our key concerns are:
Port Mouton Bay
Port Mouton Bay is located on the Atlantic Ocean, in Queens County, on the scenic South Shore of Nova Scotia. It is a large bay with islands, numerous beaches, tourism facilities, wharves and fish plants. The commercial fishery, especially lobster, and tourism are the primary sources of work in the area.
Queens County is a rural area, with a population under 12,000. A few larger employers (notably pulp and paper) plus tourism, and the resource based industries form the backbone of Queens economy.
Salmon Farm Proposal
Aqua Fish Farms Inc. is a New Brunswick based company established in 1985. They operate a number of farms on the Bay of Fundy (southwest New Brunswick) and employ about 60 people.
The company currently operates a salmon farm (#835) in the eastern harbour off Spectacle Island. This site started operations around 1995, first raising trout, but now raising salmon. The company employs 5 full time staff at this site.
Aqua Fish Farms proposes that the second farm (#1251) be located off the west side of Port Mouton Island, across from the island's best beach. (See pictures of Port Mouton Island). If this proposal is approved, a few additional staff will be hired.
Aqua Fish Farm plans to rotate fish production between its original and proposed sites. Site 835 will be stocked with 200,000 fish. Site 1251 will be divided into two production areas: 1251a and 1251b, each to be stocked with 300,000 fish.
According to production schedule proposed by the company, there are overlapping periods of production in any given year. For example, in 2007, there is a period of time when both 1251a and 1251b are active and growing of a total of 600,000 fish. See chart.
Status of the Project
It is our understanding that the project is under the "Network Review" stage where both federal and provincial departments assess the application. (See the flowchart (PDF) prepared by the province showing the application review process.)
A number of federal review processes invite public comment. The Navigable Waters Protection review where the project's impact on marine navigation is considered. The comment period for this review has closed.
The second federal process documents the effects of the project on the environment. Public participation is an important aspect of this review. Learn how you can participate.
A public hearing will be held on the project. Then finally the Nova Scotia Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture makes a decision.
Fish cage at existing fish farm near Spectacle Island
(Photo: Blair Davis)
(Photo: Blair Davis)
(Photo: Blair Davis)