The province has approved two new aquaculture sites in Shelburne County. Fisheries Minister Sterling Beliveau says the approvals come with strict agreements to ensure the sites will protect the local fishing industries and coastal environment. Kelly Cove Salmon Limited, a subsidiary of Cooke Aquaculture will operate the new sites in Jordan Bay. The Nova Scotia government says the company went through a rigorous application process that took 26 months. Belliveau says these new sites will help to further grow the industry and the economy. An extensive review concluded these sites would pose minimal risk or adverse effects to fish, fish habitat, and fisheries resources.
Some conditions attached to the licences and leases include:
-- following a code of containment for Atlantic salmon in marine net pens
-- enhanced environmental monitoring by a third-party consultant, including more site visits and additional sampling locations
-- reduced stocking densities.
