Nova Scotia’s Independent Aquaculture Regulatory Review Panel released its final report today, Dec. 16.

Professors Meinhard Doelle and William Lahey, of the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, were appointed to conduct the review in April 2013. The release of the panel’s report is the final step in the regulatory review of the aquaculture sector in Nova Scotia.

“We very much appreciate the thoughtful and constructive input we received on our draft report at the public hearings and in the written submissions,” said Mr. Doelle. “The feedback has enabled us to strengthen the final report in important ways.”

As part of its public consultation, the panel held 42 community meetings, and more than 20 targeted meetings with interested organizations and individuals. The panel also conducted three knowledge workshops with researchers and local experts, and held four public meetings on its draft report this past summer.

“In this report, we conclude that a fundamental overhaul of the regulation of aquaculture in Nova Scotia is called for,” said Mr. Lahey. “It should be guided by the idea that aquaculture that integrates economic prosperity, social well-being and environmental sustainability is one that is low impact and high value.”

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell received the report and thanked the panelists for their thorough public consultation.

“This is a very comprehensive review done for government and I want to thank Mr. Doelle and Mr. Lahey for their work,” said Mr. Colwell. “Government will now take this into consideration.

“This review provides valuable information to help develop that regulatory framework for the acquaculture industry.”

The report is available at www.aquaculturereview.ca .

Source: Release