Many Nova Scotians recognize aquaculture as a valuable and legitimate use of our province's coastal resource. However, a factor limiting the growth of Nova Scotia's aquaculture industry is opposition from people who believe, for one reason or another, that aquaculture harms the marine environment and others who simply do not want aquaculture in their area. Government and industry needs to do a better job of engaging Nova Scotians about the issues in their communities.

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture's Environmental Monitoring Program has documented that aquaculture, for the most part, is conducted well within the parameters established for allowable environmental impact. Aquaculturists are very concerned about maintaining a healthy marine environment to grow high quality fish.

Companies have avoided investing in new business operations in Nova Scotia because applications tend to get mired in controversy.

To address this situation, the Department will create and implement a Community Engagement Protocol founded on effective social marketing principles to communicate with Nova Scotians about the issues preventing aquaculture from being accepted.

In all cases, government and industry must engage Nova Scotians in the most effective way to communicate, respond or explain aquaculture so it is accurately understood. If this is accomplished successfully, greater public confidence in aquaculture can be achieved.

We can work together to build economies and deliver jobs in rural, coastal Nova Scotia.

Community Development Trust Announcement

$ 300,000 over three years

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