Codes Initiative:
In 2014, One Nova Scotia published the “Now or Never” call to action, re-defining a strategic way forward for our Province highlighting, a brave and promising future for rural Nova Scotia and our coastal communities. The Ivany Report, which was part of the call to action, showcased the growing aquaculture industry as a great economic opportunity for our Province.
Similarly to the Province, the AANS in 2013 embarked on an initiative project to develop codes of best practice which were to complement the new regulatory framework, support improvement in the industry, and increase stakeholders’ confidence in the sector. As of February 2015, the following codes have been developed to standardize aquaculture procedures while ensuring sustainable growth and maintaining the pristine environmental integrity of Nova Scotia’s coastal regions.
The Environmental Management plan for the AANS consists of farming operation contracts / employment contracts, environmental impact assessments, site plans and operation descriptions.
Code of Fish Health and Welfare
This code outlines welfare promotion and disease prevention that involves the implementation of good production practices and farm management methods specific to each species to mitigate risks to fish health.
The maintenance of strong, positive community relations on a local and global scale by establishing meaningful connections with communities and companies in a way that is constructive and transparent.
This code pertains to the prevention and procedure of fish escapes; reducing the scale and incidence of any escape events while ensuring appropriate and immediate responses.
This code pertains to the creation and maintenance of socially and environmentally responsible shellfish farms, facilitating strong relationships between AANS members, coastal residence and the scientific community.
This plan defines operational steps and precautions for aquaculture production systems, for example, species stock inventory and health status, ecological and biological interactions and external influences upon farmed species.
Environmental Monitoring
Nova Scotian’s, and especially our sea farmers, are concerned about the environmental impact of all food growing sectors. In 2003 the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (NSDFA) implemented an Environmental Monitoring Program. The AANS has been actively involved in the creation and implementation of the program and sits on a committee that meets bi-annually. To find out more about this program, please visit Environmental Monitoring Program.
