Cermaq Canada announced Thursday it will be letting all of its options to lease awarded by the Province of Nova Scotia expire.
“We knew that we would need to identify between 15 and 20 viable farm sites spread throughout the four option areas in order to achieve the required annual production. Unfortunately, we were unable to locate enough sites at this time, and have made the decision to allow all of our options to lease to expire,” said David Kiemele, managing director for Cermaq Canada.
Over the last year, Cermaq Canada has been conducting feasibility and engagement work in the province as part of the province’s new aquaculture regulatory framework. The areas being investigated included Chedabucto Bay, St. Mary’s Bay, Mahone Bay and St. Margaret’s Bay.
"We are also thankful for the relationships we built and connections we made with business owners, community members, associations and local government,” said Linda Sams, sustainable development director for Cermaq Canada.
“We did hear opposition from some groups and regions, however; a shared path forward is, and always was our goal. We engaged with the intent of supporting, or benefiting, existing commercial fishing through shared opportunities, services, research and planning.
"We think it was a lost opportunity that we didn’t get to have more in-depth conversations in some locations, but we would like to thank everyone who engaged with the intent to learn and share.”
In the coming weeks, Cermaq will be working to wrap up the feasibility work and close its Guysborough office. All of its public engagement is ending immediately, it said.
The company also planned for two hatcheries, a processing plant, works yards, wharfs and docks, offices and potential staff accommodation.
The company said the expansion could create between 300-350 new jobs in the coastal communities near the future sites.
