Shelburne municipal council wants to see an extension of the moratorium on oil and gas exploration in Georges Bank.
Council sent letters to both the provincial and federal government, as a review on environmental and socio-economic impacts of exploration and drilling is about to take place.
Warden Penny Smith says the moratorium is important for the fishing industry.
“Billions of dollars of lobster, scallop and ground fish landings come from Georges Bank. This industry is our coastal communities’ economic mainstay, and it cannot be put at risk. It’s one of the richest fishing grounds in the world, and it supports the provincial economy, so we must continue to protect these important fishing grounds,” said Smith.
N.S. Energy Minister Chuck Porter wrote a response, saying he agrees that the moratorium should be renewed.
Porter promised that department officials will inform and engage council during the review process.
The moratorium has been in place for 33 years, and a decision on extension needs to be made by the end of 2022.
