Classroom Marine Education

Meet curriculum outcomes in a FUN, ENGAGING way! These FREE online resources are specifically designed to advance MARINE EDUCATION in Nova Scotia classrooms. 

Each student and accompanying educator guide for grades P-3 and 4-6, in both English and French, are aligned with the Nova Scotia Public School Program’s curricular learning outcomes and Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture’s Marine and Coastal Education Strategy and feature Nova Scotia specific lesson plans, resources, and activities.

Common Questions about Aquaculture

Salmon Consumption During Pregnancy

Fish, like all animals, have the potential to acquire contaminants from their environment and diet, into their flesh. Not all fish are equal in this respect. Fish with greater fat content and larger, older, predatory fish, like tuna, have greater potential to accumulate contaminants. Farmed fish, like salmon, are fed controlled diets and are raised to a harvestable weight within a relatively short time period; both of which help reduce the risk the fish may acquire contaminants. Health Canada keeps a close eye on the levels of various chemicals in foods, such as contaminants in fish. They have determined that levels of PCBs and other contaminants in fish and seafood sold in Canada are not a health risk, but may recommend precautionary consumption in some circumstances.

Some pregnant women avoid eating salmon due to concerns about contaminants in fish. However, the benefits of eating salmon far outweigh the risks when pregnant women choose the right types and amounts. Salmon is a nutritious food that offers significant benefits to pregnant women. It’s packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D, providing essential nutrients for both mom and baby. Plus, salmon is a great source of vitamins B12 and B6, which are crucial for fetal brain development. Health Canada recommends that pregnant women eat at least 150 grams of cooked fish each week, as outlined in Canada’s Food Guide. They suggest choosing fish with low risk of contaminants, like salmon¹.

Oysters: Nature’s Water Purifiers

Oysters are important for the health and stability of marine ecosystems. They have been a keystone species in Nova Scotia’s coastal ecosystems for millennia. For Mi’kmaq communities, oysters have always been a vital food source, and they continue to cultivate them today.

Phytoplankton blooms and excessive particles can occur in coastal waters with high nutrient concentrations. Oysters can help maintain water quality where this occurs as they filter phytoplankton (micro algae) and small organic particles for food. One oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day¹!

Historically, oysters were so numerous that they created large reefs, which helped maintain the waters and provided habitats for other marine creatures. Oyster reefs can also help protect shorelines from erosion, which is needed more than ever with rising sea levels. The restorative properties of oyster reefs have prompted some large projects along the Eastern seaboard to reestablish oyster reefs in key bays. The Billion Oyster Project aims to restore one billion oysters to New York Harbour by 2035.

Salmon Aquaculture and Lobster

The relationship between aquaculture and lobster harvesting is complex and often debated. Some argue that aquaculture activities can displace lobsters from around farms, affecting fishing opportunities.

Finfish, like all animals, produce faeces. If the deposition of faeces on the sea floor is excessive, localized oxygen levels can be reduced through decomposition. This can cause oxygen-breathing animals like lobsters to relocate. However, fish farms are regulated to minimize the potential for oxygen reduction on the sea floor through sulphide measurements, ensuring that lobster activity is generally unaffected around well-managed fish farms¹.

Only medications approved by Health Canada can be used to treat sea lice infestations at marine salmon farms in Nova Scotia.  Clinical sea-lice infestations at Nova Scotia salmon farms needing treatment are very rare.  Treating with Health Canada approved products, if used in accordance with the approvals for their use, are unlikely to persist in the environment and are unlikely to cause significant harm to any non-target populations, such as lobster. 

These two important industries have co-existed for decades, during which lobster catches have generally increased. To ensure the sustainability of both industries, it is important to conduct ongoing research and implement responsible aquaculture practices.