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Many Nova Scotians recognize sustainable aquaculture as a valuable and legitimate use of our province's coastal resource. A factor limiting the growth of Nova Scotia's sustainable aquaculture industry is the concerns from those who believe that aquaculture may harm the marine environment and others who simply do not want aquaculture in their area. Government and industry need to better engage Nova Scotians about the issues in their communities.
As part of a broader aquaculture strategy now being developed, the Department has created and is currently implementing a community engagement plan to communicate with Nova Scotians about the issues limiting aquaculture from being welcomed in communities.
In all cases, government and industry must effectively engage Nova Scotians to communicate, respond or explain aquaculture so it is accurately understood. If this is accomplished successfully, greater public confidence in aquaculture will be achieved.
It is our responsibility to ensure that aquaculture creates good jobs in rural Nova Scotia while respecting the environment and sharing the coastal resource. Aquaculturists themselves rely on a high quality marine environment to productively raise healthy fish for their markets.
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