Aquaculture Regulatory Review Engagement Report Available

Press Release

March 2, 2023

Taking small operators into account when making regulations, transparency and public participation emerged as key themes during public engagement on aquaculture regulations.

“Nova Scotians care deeply about the environment, their communities and their livelihoods and want their voices heard and reflected in our regulatory framework for aquaculture,” said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Steve Craig. “I want to thank everyone who took the time to share their views with us. Your input will help inform the future development of the aquaculture sector in Nova Scotia.”

Consulting firm Davis Pier facilitated stakeholder and public engagement for the aquaculture regulatory review. The What We Heard Summary Report includes input from stakeholders and responses to an online public survey.

Highlights from the report include:

• stakeholders and survey respondents share the view that Nova Scotia’s current regulatory framework for aquaculture is a good start
• industry stakeholders note a one-size-fits-all approach to regulation burdens smaller operators, creating disparities within the sector
• stakeholders and survey respondents want more information in more accessible ways
• overall, people want inclusive and meaningful engagement from industry and government when it comes to aquaculture.

The Aquaculture Regulatory Advisory Committee will use the information gathered through the public and stakeholder engagement to inform recommendations to the Minister for regulatory improvements.

Consultation with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia is ongoing.

Quick Facts:

• the online public survey opened on August 3 and ran for four weeks
• there were 988 survey responses received, including 864 from Nova Scotia residents across the province
• stakeholder engagement included representatives from the aquaculture industry, fish harvesters, environmental and community organizations, municipalities and academia
• there are 235 marine and land-based aquaculture sites in Nova Scotia
• the industry employs nearly 900 people and contributes more than $80 million per year to the provincial economy

Additional Resources:

The What We Heard Summary Report and more information on the aquaculture regulatory review are available at:https://novascotia.ca/fish/aquaculture/laws-regs/aquaculture-regulatory-review.asp

News release on the public engagement and regulatory advisory committee: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20220809001

Mandate Letter for the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-FA.pdf

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