The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture is confident new provincial regulations will address concerns from residents in Queens County.
Cooke Aquaculture is planning a possible expansion in Liverpool Bay.
The company held an open house in Liverpool October 30 as a part of the new process for fish farm applications.
Minister Keith Colwell confirmed it was the only meeting Cooke is required to have.
He doesn’t believe anyone from his department was present but says the company has to pass community feedback they received during that meeting back to Fisheries and Aquaculture.
“I would think it’s important for the people who attended the function … if they felt their points weren’t put across, they would send a notification off to the independent panel,” says Colwell.
Cooke Aquaculture has not yet applied for a specific site to licence in Queens.
When or if they do, Colwell says it will go before the independent Aquaculture Review Board.
“Once people get used to the process, it’s very transparent, it’s very open, completely clear from any interference from anyone political individual talking about anyone like myself or anyone from my department,” says Colwell. “It’s very similar to the Utility and Review Board.”
The creation of the arms-length board was recommended in an independent report.
The board launched a website over the summer to increase accessibility and transparency for the public.
Meanwhile, Colwell has received correspondence from concerned Queens County residents.
Colwell says while he appreciates feedback, he has to pass the letters on to the Nova Scotia Aquaculture Review Board.
Residents can send letters and emails directly to the board through their website.
Story by Brittany Wentzell
Twitter: @BrittWentzell
Email: wentzell.brittany@radioabl.ca
