Laws & Regulations

Review of Nova Scotia’s Aquaculture Regulations
Government is conducting a regulatory review of Nova Scotia’s aquaculture regulations.

Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act

This act is the primary piece of legislation for the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. It gives authority for most of the department's functions and activities. These include recreational fishing, marine plant harvesting, training and development, licensing of buyers and processors, aquaculture, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board, and enforcement.

Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act (PDF)

Nova Scotia Aquaculture Regulatory Advisory Committee

The provincial government has formed a committee of community, First Nations, industry and municipal government representatives to provide advice on regulating aquaculture in Nova Scotia.

The advisory committee is chaired by the Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. The main objective of the Nova Scotia Aquaculture Regulatory Advisory Committee (NSARAC) is to facilitate a multi-constituent forum for the discussion of the regulation of the aquaculture industry and to provide an effective conduit for the exchange of information regarding the regulation of the aquaculture industry between the government, First Nations and stakeholders.

Aquaculture Advisory Committee members are:

  • Jeff Bishop, Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia
  • Paul Budreski, Aqua Delights Seafood Ltd, Halifax Regional Municipality
  • Orlando Fraser, Department of Natural Resources and Renewables
  • Jeff Nickerson, Cooke Aquaculture, Bridgewater
  • Alain Muise, Municipality of the District of Argyle
  • Hana Nelson, ShanDaph Oysters, Big Island, Pictou County
  • Carl Purcell, Nova Scotia Salmon Association, Chester
  • Lloyd Robicheau, Lobster Harvester, Lobster Fishing Area 32, Three Fathom Harbour
  • Stewart Lamont, Tangier Lobster Limited, Tangier
  • Shannon Arnold, Ecology Action Centre, Halifax Regional Municipality
  • Councillor Caron Ann Potter, Bear River First Nation

Related Documents

Nova Scotia Aquaculture Regulatory Advisory Committee meeting summaries

The committee is currently engaged in the Aquaculture Regulatory Review.

Nova Scotia Aquaculture Science Advisory Committee

The Science Advisory Committee is comprised of experts within scientific disciplines relevant to the regulation of aquaculture. The committee delivers science-based recommendations to the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture to inform the development of the regulatory framework for aquaculture in Nova Scotia.

Science Advisory Committee members are:

  • Dr Amber Garber, Research Scientist, Huntsman Marine Science Centre
  • Dr Larry Hammell, Associate Dean, Atlantic Veterinary College Graduate Studies and Research, University of Prince Edward Island
  • Dr Bruce Gordon Hatcher, Director of the Bras d'Or Institute and Chair in Marine Ecosystem Research, Cape Breton University
  • Dr Jay Parsons, Director, Aquaculture, Biotechnology and Aquatic Animal Health Sciences Branch, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
  • Dr Gregor Reid, Director, Centre for Marine Applied Research