Was developed in partnership with the Centre for Marine Applied Research, a division of Perennia and helps identify the suitability of coastal areas for aquaculture development for species like oysters, mussels, salmon and trout
The Canadian province Nova Scotia announced that it has a new mapping tool that helps identify the suitability of coastal areas for aquaculture development is now available. The new available tool helps identify the suitability of coastal areas for aquaculture development.
The Coastal Classification System is a provincewide mapping tool that includes data related to conditions such as water depth and temperature, distance from protected areas and navigation routes. It helps show where coastal conditions may present more or fewer challenges for aquaculture development in Nova Scotia.
For the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Kent Smith, “Aquaculture is a key economic growth opportunity for Nova Scotia. Access to scientific data provides the aquaculture industry greater confidence in choosing suitable areas for aquaculture development, supporting responsible growth and contributing to coastal communities.”
Publicly available information
The publicly available information tool rates suitability for oysters, mussels, salmon and trout aquaculture. It supports early planning but does not replace the aquaculture licensing process, which would include public input.
Jeff Bishop, Executive Director of Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia, commented: “Data sets and information resources are key for decision making in business – and the aquaculture business is no different. This new coastal classification tool pulls together a number of these technical resources – and starts to inform someone looking to start or expand an existing aquaculture business in Nova Scotia. Choosing the best accessible, growing areas for our farms is part of responsible, sustainable growth in aquaculture. And it means putting meals on the tables of Nova Scotians for years to come.”
Feedback from Nova Scotians on the development
From the Nova Scotia Government, detailed that the aquaculture industry employs almost 800 people and generates about USD 87.78 million every year for Nova Scotia’s economy. Also, they explained that, in February, the Province sought feedback from Nova Scotians on the development of the tool.
They reported that the tool was developed in partnership with the Centre for Marine Applied Research, a division of Perennia. On the other hand, the tool was created in response to a recommendation from the 2015 Doelle-Lahey Report, which called for more transparent, science-based planning tools to support responsible aquaculture development in Nova Scotia.
The development of the new tool was supported by federal and provincial agencies, project-specific committees and the Nova Scotia aquaculture science advisory committee.
It is important to say that the information on the coastal classification tool is available at: https://novascotia.ca/aquaculture-coastal-classification-system/.
Seafood companies receive climate change funding
Days before the announcement, the province reported that is supporting 22 seafood companies and related organizations throughout Nova Scotia to support efforts in lowering their carbon emissions. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund is investing USD 1.27 million in projects that range from electrifying vessels to installing solar systems.
“Our seafood sector is a key partner in addressing climate change,” said the Minister Smith. “This funding will help seafood organizations in their efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while also helping the industry lower its operational costs,” he added.
The three-year fund, administered by Efficiency Nova Scotia, will provide a total of USD 4.75 million to industry climate change projects. There will be a third call for project funding applications later this year.
“Nova Scotia’s fisheries and aquaculture industry is a cornerstone of our economy, supporting jobs and communities across the province. Energy efficiency is a powerful way for organizations in the sector to reduce costs and boost productivity both in the short and long term – and this fund is helping more businesses adopt innovative, energy-efficient practices that support a more resilient and sustainable future. We’re excited to see the initiatives from these new fund recipients come to life, driving innovation and sustainability across the sector,” said Stephen MacDonald, President and CEO of EfficiencyOne.
