Aquaculture coastal classification system
The Government of Nova Scotia has developed an aquaculture coastal classification system. The classification system is an interactive mapping tool that helps identify where coastal conditions may present more (or fewer) challenges for aquaculture development in Nova Scotia.
The coastal classification system is an interactive mapping tool that helps identify where coastal conditions may present more or fewer challenges for aquaculture development in Nova Scotia. It supports early planning and public awareness by providing access to consistent province-wide data.
About the classification system
The coastal classification system supports early-stage awareness and planning for aquaculture development. It uses broad-scale mapped conditions (like water depth and temperature) to help explore opportunities and constraints across coastal regions.
The coastal classification system:
- supports general exploration and public awareness of areas that may be more (or less) suitable for aquaculture development
- presents consistent, province-wide data about coastal conditions
- identifies where mapped conditions may present more (or fewer) challenges for aquaculture development
What the classification is and isn’t
The coastal classification system is a mapping tool that shows how suitable different coastal areas might be for aquaculture development and provides environmental, coastal use patterns and regulatory data for the public, planners and industry.
The coastal classification system isn’t:
- a regulatory or licensing system
- designed for specific site selection
- a substitute for formal review or site-level assessment
- designed for decision-making (like licensing review)
How to use the classification system
You can use the interactive map to explore conditions by species or by coastal information (like water depth and temperature).
The Story Map Walkthrough also provides an interactive guide to using the coastal classification system.
Resources
Resources to support the coastal classification system and provide additional background information and guidance:
- Aquaculture Coastal Classification System (CCS): Purpose, Use and Key Facts (PDF) – understanding the Coastal Classification System
- Coastal Classification System: Final Summary Report (PDF) – summary of the coastal classification system development process and engagement outcomes
- Coastal Classification System: What We Heard Report (PDF) – themes and responses from engagement participants that helped shape the coastal classification system
- Creating an Aquaculture Coastal Classification System: Project Update Report
- Scientific Advice on the Coastal Classification: Request 1 (PDF) – advice from the Nova Scotia Aquaculture Science Advisory Committee on the Coastal Classification Project
- Scientific Advice on the Coastal Classification: Request 2 (PDF) – advice from the Nova Scotia Aquaculture Science Advisory Committee on the Coastal Classification Project
Contact
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Coastal classification system
coastalclassificationsystem@novascotia.ca