News Release Archive
FISHERIES--ANNAPOLIS BASIN ----------------------------------------------------------------- Nova Scotia Fisheries Minister Jim Barkhouse today announced decisions regarding future aquaculture development in the Annapolis Basin. For the next seven years development in the basin will be limited to the four existing finfish leases, a scallop operation, and up to two small experimental shellfish sites. The environmental monitoring program already underway will continue, and a carrying capacity study will be conducted. These system-wide studies will be funded by government, while leaseholders will be responsible for site-specific testing. Mr. Barkhouse said the four finfish sites will be restricted in size, and stocking capacity will be limited to 120,000 fish per year-class, up to a maximum of 240,000 fish at any one site. Leases will be issued for a ten-year term. Applications for an expanded scallop operation and two experimental, non-shellfish sites, excluding clams, will also be considered by the province. "Development in the Annapolis Basin is the result of years of hard work by many people. I want to commend and thank everyone who has taken part in the Regional Aquaculture Development Advisory Committee, and I appreciate their efforts to find solutions. The decisions we are taking today are the result of careful consideration and reflect a fair balance of many different interests," the minister said. Mr. Barkhouse said compensation for parties claiming harm to their livelihood as a result of aquaculture activity in the Annapolis Basin is a major concern. He said persons who are found responsible for polluting or damaging the marine environment are subject to stringent penalties under federal law. Moreover, he said the province will ensure an independent third party will review and report on any environmental damage attributed to aquaculture operations. The province will also assist user groups to resolve complex compensation issues with the marine insurance industry. Mr. Barkhouse said that results from experimental activities in the basin over the last two years have yielded helpful information on biological conditions, grow-out success and potential environmental impacts. "We feel confident that aquaculture is ready to proceed to the next phase, but at the same time we want to proceed carefully, in keeping with the province's commitment to long-term sustainable development. "The long-range prospects for aquaculture in the Annapolis Basin are very promising. It is quite realistic to anticipate annual revenues in excess of $15 million ," he said, noting that spinoff activities related to servicing the industry will substantially increase the potential for economic growth and job creation in western Nova Scotia. -30- Contact: Diane Kenny 902-424-0308 trp Apr. 12, 1996 - 3:45 p.m.