Opposition is surfacing in southwestern Nova Scotia over a decision by two levels of government to fast-track approvals of shellfish farms in the Municipality of Argyle, raising questions about the level of public support in the area for shellfish aquaculture. "I don't think development should be here. Put your oyster cages where there are no homes and people using it for boating," said Donna Gaudet, a local resident who opposes a pending oyster farm expansion near her home.
But the local warden is defending expedited approvals, saying shellfish aquaculture is a positive for the area — and opposition is largely a case of the colloquialism NIMBY, or "Not In My Backyard." "We stand by what we did," Warden Danny Muise said. Last month, the province issued a call for proposals to lease six "pre-approved" sites for shellfish or marine plants.
It does not apply to salmon farms. The call was the culmination of years of legwork by the Municipality of Argyle, which included securing federal authorizations for 53 sites the municipality deemed suitable as well as a public engagement process. Found out on Facebook Not everyone was aware or supportive.
"I just found out about it last week because somebody posted something on Facebook. That's the only way I found out," said lifelong resident Dale Pothier. Pothier and others say they were caught off guard when the province created the Argyle Aquaculture Development Area last month.
Aquaculture system needs to be streamlined to cut red tap.