Developing aquaculture facilities further offshore, in the open ocean, has the potential to significantly increase production while avoiding some of the environmental issues and conflicts currently being faced by the coastal aquaculture industry. Due to its size and proximity to key markets, there is strong potential to develop offshore aquaculture in Canadian waters, particularly off the coast of Nova Scotia.
In a comprehensive report, the Centre for Marine Applied Research investigated some of the regulatory and jurisdictional barriers facing the development of offshore aquaculture, and provided some potential solutions that could help the industry grow in a manner that is sustainable, safe, and beneficial to the province of Nova Scotia. The report can be accessed below.
