Nova Scotians are invited to share their feedback on the Province’s aquaculture regulations during four weeks of public consultation.
“Since December, we’ve met with community stakeholders, industry representatives and public sector partners to understand their perspectives and hear their thoughts on how we could improve our aquaculture regulations. And now, we want to hear from Nova Scotians,” said Steve Craig, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “You don’t need to be an expert to be part of this process. If you live in this province and have an interest in its future, we’d love to hear from you.”
The current aquaculture regulations, developed following an 18-month independent review, have been in place since 2015. They reflect best practices of experienced aquaculture regions around the world and recommendations from the Province’s auditor general at the time.
Public consultation is open from today, August 9, to September 6. People can provide feedback through an online survey with six open-ended questions. A public input guide with an overview of aquaculture in Nova Scotia and a summary of the current regulatory framework is also available. The survey and guide are at: https://novascotia.ca/aquaculture-regulatory-review-public-consultation
Meetings with stakeholders are ongoing, as is engagement with Mi’kmaq communities and municipalities.
The Nova Scotia Aquaculture Regulatory Advisory Committee is directing the regulatory review. Terrance Paul, Chief and CEO of Membertou First Nation, and April Howe, Deputy Minister, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, are co-chairs of the committee, which includes representatives from the aquaculture and fisheries industries, municipalities, First Nations, environmental groups and other community stakeholders. The committee will consider stakeholder feedback and public input in making recommendations to the Minister on how the regulations may be improved.
Source : Novascotia.ca