Nova Scotians support Atlantic salmon farming

“It’s unfortunate that a small but vocal group feel the need for an all-or-nothing scenario in Nova Scotia,” says Larry Ingalls, Chair of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA). “The majority of Nova Scotians are supportive of our industry. With over 30 years of farming experience, we know communities can benefit from a diversified economic base that includes both a sustainable salmon farming industry and a traditional fishery along with tourism.”

Ingalls says Atlantic fish farmers are looking forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to grow this sector as set out in Nova Scotia’s Aquaculture Strategy released last week.

“Nova Scotia’s Aquaculture Strategy has a multi-stakeholder engagement process as part of its action plan, so all views will be taken into consideration,” says Ingalls.

The majority of Nova Scotians are highly supportive of salmon farming. Public opinion research conducted twice in the past year by Corporate Research Associates confirms that when asked for their level of support for the further development of the aquaculture industry in Nova Scotia (defined as the practice of farming fish), three quarters of residents indicate some level of support (77%), with three-in-ten completely supporting such development (29%).

“By 2030, the world’s population is predicted to increase by another two billion and to eat nearly 70 per cent more fish. There’s a need for healthy protein that traditional agriculture and fisheries just can’t fill,” says Ingalls. “Nova Scotia has an unprecedented opportunity for rural communities to benefit from and realize the potential of a locally-based, globally competitive, sustainable aquaculture industry.”

The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) is an industry-funded association working on behalf of the salmon farming industry in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The ACFFA represents salmon producers in addition to a wide range of supporting companies and organizations. Salmon farming employs over 3000 people in our region and generates over $330 million to our provincial economies.