The Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia, in cooperation with the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (NSDFA), offers an “AANS Member Group Surety Bond” program that satisfies the requirements for security bonds under the 2015 Aquaculture License and Lease Regulations: Section 56-1. “An aquaculture lease holder must ensure that a security bond is in place…” All types of leases registered with NSDFA require a registered surety bond regardless of current usage. The table below shows the amount of the full bond for each category of aquaculture lease.
| Type of aquaculture | Bond Amount |
| Marine finfish | $25,000 |
| Suspended culture > 50 ha | $15,000 |
| Suspended culture between 10 and 50 ha | $10,000 |
| Suspended culture < 10 ha | $5,000 |
| Bottom shellfish with gear > 50 ha | $1,500 |
| Bottom shellfish with gear between 10 and 50 ha | $1,000 |
| Bottom shellfish with gear < 10 ha | $500 |
| Experimental lease – suspended culture > 50 ha | $7,500 |
| Experimental lease – suspended culture between 10 and 50 ha | $5,000 |
| Experimental lease – suspended culture < 10 ha | $2,500 |
| Experimental finfish | $12,500 |
The AANS Surety Bond program is administered by BFL Canada Risk & Insurance Services Inc. and is underwritten by Intact Insurance, Canada’s largest home, auto and business insurance company. Members of the AANS who are in good standing can purchase bonds for each lease that the member has in Nova Scotia. This proprietary program provides a surety that meets the Government of Nova Scotia’s aquaculture regulatory requirements. Bond premiums in the AANS program range from $275 to $1,000 per lease.
Surety Bond premiums are due each year before August 1st each year. Participating members will receive an invoice indicating the amount due and the payment deadline. AANS membership dues must be paid in full in order to participate in the bond program.
How to Apply
Download the Surety Bond Application Form, complete the application form, sign, and email your completed form to seafarmers@seafarmers.ca. We will be in touch with next steps for completing your application and purchase.
