Canada: Six sites in Lobster Bay and Pubnico Harbour are pre-approved for aquaculture development

ARGYLE, N.S. — Six sites in Lobster Bay and Pubnico Harbour are now pre-approved for shellfish and marine plant aquaculture as part of an aquaculture pilot project aimed at saving time with pre-approved sites for growing shellfish and marine plants. Argyle Aquaculture Development Area is a pilot project created by the Municipality of Argyle and the Nova Scotia government with a goal of reducing the time it takes for an aquaculture operation to acquire a licence. Over four years, the municipality worked with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and other partners to collect scientific data in designated areas to identify potential operating sites. The data was shared with community groups and during public engagement as part of the review process — typically, this would occur after the licence was obtained. The province says it is the first time a municipality in Canada has been involved in designating an area for aquaculture development. "Municipal and department staff have ...