Sustainable scallop farming in Mahone Bay
About our proposed farm
Blue Lantern Shellfish is proposing a sustainable scallop farming operation in Mahone Bay, focused on minimal environmental impact and maximum community benefit.
As part of the option to lease process, we are taking this opportunity to inform area residents about our project and collect their feedback.
LEARN MOREWho is Blue Lantern Shellfish?
Paul MacInnis and Chaz Thorne are entrepreneurs from Nova Scotia who believe that scallop farming is a valuable and sustainable industry for our province. They assert that it can significantly contribute to local food security, enhance fish habitats, facilitate carbon sequestration, and create employment opportunities.
MORE ABOUT USSome facts about our proposed shellfish farm
Minimal Impact on Bay Users
- Small vessels can easily navigate past the lease
- Quiet, unobtrusive operations conducted by small crews on small vessels
- Scallop lanterns hang well below the surface
- Minimal number of buoys visible on the surface
Improves Water Quality
- Scallops naturally filter and clean the water
- No feed or supplements are required
- Zero chemical inputs into the marine environment
Supports Marine Ecosystem
- Support for local marine biodiversity (essentially an artificial reef)
- Minimal carbon footprint / blue carbon sequestering
- Minimal seabed impact
Strengthens Local Economy
- Creates skilled middle-class jobs and opportunities for youth
- Diversifies local maritime economy
- Enhances food security with sustainable protein production
What is the process for creating a shellfish farm in Nova Scotia?
Initial Application
WE ARE HERE ↓
Option to Lease
Lease Application
Lease
The above is abbreviated for readability. To read about this process in more detail, please refer directly to the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture website.
Attend an event
Meet & Greets
DROP IN • CASUAL CONVERSATION
April 7th @ 2 pm
April 19th @ 10 am
April 19th @ 2 pm
Paul and Susan Seltzer Community Kitchen
Mahone Bay Centre
Public Information Meeting
FORMAL PRESENTATION • Q&A
May 1, 2025 @ 6:30 pm at the Mahone Bay Centre Gymnasium
Provide Your Feedback
If you are a resident of the District of Lunenburg, we want to hear your questions, comments, or concerns. It is important to us to be good neighbours, and we will do our best to address any feedback you have in a timely manner.
And if you believe, as we do, that scallop farming has great potential for both Mahone Bay and our province, we want to hear that, too!
Other Ways to Connect
While we prefer to converse via email and in person, we’re also present on social media.
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