Times & Tails

A major seafood company in Nova Scotia has halted its aquaculture operations due to frustrations with the provincial government's slow handling of the industry. Premium Seafoods expressed disappointment over the years-long wait for the government to process its application for shellfish leases in Arichat, Cape Breton. Despite submitting the applications for three new oyster aquaculture leases in 2019 and successfully testing kelp farming in the area, there has been no progress. Michelle Samson, Director of Aquaculture Operations, conveyed the company's decision to step back from aquaculture operations to the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. While the lease applications remain active, further investment has been paused due to the lack of a feasible pathway for industry participation. Additionally, Samson resigned as president of the Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia in response to the situation, signaling the broader impact of the issue within the sector. Jeff Bishop, the association's executive director, highlighted the widespread frustration within the industry over lengthy approval processes. Despite recent efforts by the province to expedite approvals in certain areas, such as the Argyle Aquaculture Development Area, many feel discouraged by the overall pace and clarity of the process. In response to Premium Seafoods' decision, Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture acknowledged Samson's service and decision to step down from her position. The department reiterated its commitment to streamlining the process, citing ongoing pilot projects, regulatory reviews, and the development of an online platform to identify suitable aquaculture sites. However, Nova Scotia's shellfish aquaculture sector still lags behind that of Prince Edward Island, according to Department of Fisheries and Oceans statistics. The significant difference in production value underscores the urgency of addressing the challenges facing Nova Scotia's aquaculture industry. Source: Paul Withers (May 8, 2024). Frustration over lengthy delays in Nova Scotia aquaculture approvals triggers company pullback. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/aquaculture-nova-scotia-premium-seafoods-oysters-1.7197679

NOAA Fisheries just released its annual Status of the Stocks report, revealing a milestone achievement: the lowest number of fish stocks on the overfishing list in 2023. This report, evaluating the health of the 506 stocks managed by NOAA Fisheries, is crucial for assessing the U.S. fisheries' overall well-being.

Canada and Alaska have recently inked a significant seven-year agreement aimed at rejuvenating the declining king salmon populations in the Yukon River basin. 

The tragic death of a North Atlantic right whale reported on February 13th off the coast of Georgia has been attributed to a fatal collision with a vessel, announced NOAA today.

The federal Fisheries Department is actively seeking input on the impending reopening of the redfish fishery in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, following a prolonged moratorium due to depleted stocks.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada recently announced the indefinite closure of the Lophelia Reef, located within the Finlayson Channel off the coast of British Columbia, approximately 500 kilometers northwest of Vancouver.

During an aerial survey off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts, scientist Orla O'Brien stumbled upon a remarkable discovery. While scanning the waters for familiar whale species, O'Brien encountered a creature that defied expectations: a grey whale.

In response to the escalating development of offshore wind projects, the federal government has introduced a comprehensive strategy to safeguard the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. Released on Thursday, Jan. 25, by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and NOAA Fisheries, the 78-page strategy outlines measures to assess and mitigate potential impacts on the whales and their habitat.

In response to months of anticipation and lobbying efforts in Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia, the federal government has unveiled its plan for allocating access in the reopening of the Gulf of St. Lawrence redfish fishery later this year, ending a nearly 30-year hiatus.