Cermaq looking to dip their nets in Nova Scotia’s waters

B.C.-based farmed salmon company Cermaq Canada is looking into growing their salmon farming operations into Nova Scotia.

The province of Nova Scotia has approved Cermaq four leasing options, which are in the Chedabucto Bay region (Guysborough Country and Richmond Valley) on the eastern shoreline, and in the St. Mary’s region south of Digby on the province’s south-western coast.

“We are passionate salmon farmers, and we are excited about the opportunity to start on-the-ground investigations and engagement in the Guysborough, Richmond and St. Mary’s Bay regions. We will be using the next six months to launch extensive stakeholder and public engagement. We have also entered into exploratory conversations with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia,” says David Kiemele, managing director for Cermaq Canada. “We are coming to listen, to learn and to ask questions. As excited as we are, we know that we need to have community, stakeholder and Mi’kmaq support to proceed, and we look forward to those discussions.”

Cermaq Canada launched a website, HelloNovaScotia.ca, for engagement and feasibility process, which includes information about Cermaq and its intentions with the farming operations. Cermaq is planning an information office in the Guysborough region, hiring locals to assist in leading the engagement process and act as community liaisons.