Frequently Asked Questions
During the option-to-lease phase, we consult with the community and do further scientific testing to identify the specific location(s) where the scallop farm will potentially be established. Below are examples of some of the common questions and concerns that have surfaced.
🛥️ Navigation & Boating Safety
Why choose Mahone Bay? Isn’t it already heavily used?
Scallops thrive in deep, protected, nutrient-rich waters—conditions met by Mahone Bay’s natural geography. While we recognize it’s also a recreational area, we’re exploring how we can balance our activity with other uses.
Can you consolidate farm sites into fewer locations?
Yes. Based on feedback, we are considering grouping farm activities into fewer areas.
What about race routes or sailing clubs?
We’re consulting with local sailing communities and gathering racecourse data to mitigate the impact of our lease areas.
Who decides if you get access to ocean space?
No individual, group, or company owns the ocean. We are in the option-to-lease phase, which means public consultation, scientific evaluation, and regulatory oversight must occur before any lease is granted. Final decisions rest with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
🌱 Environmental Impact & Ecosystem Health
Is scallop farming harmful to marine ecosystems?
No. Scallop farming is considered a low-impact form of aquaculture with no feed, antibiotics, or chemical use. It filters water and can enhance local biodiversity, even functioning as an artificial reef in some cases.
What about risks like disease, genetic pollution, or habitat disruption?
- Genetic Impact: We source scallop seed locally and follow strict provincial regulations.
- Eelgrass Beds: We will not farm on or near sensitive eelgrass habitats.
- Tunicate Management: We use non-invasive mechanical cleaning methods and adapt our methods based on which tunicates are dominant each year.
Where can I read more about scallop farming and the environment?
The Ecology Action Centre provides helpful information: https://ecologyaction.ca/our-work/marine/sustainable-aquaculture
👁️ Aesthetic & Recreational Enjoyment
Will the farm spoil the natural beauty of Mahone Bay?
We respect that the bay is cherished for its scenic beauty. That’s why we’ve limited surface markers and are actively exploring other ways to reduce visual impact.
Will the farms limit access to island beaches or anchoring spots?
Where possible, we will design our leases with lanes between areas.
🗣️ Scientific Testing
What scientific testing is required to get approval?
On the scientific side, we will ensure that the specific locations will result in the healthy growth of scallops without causing any environmental interference with other species.
This includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Video recording of the seafloor at each corner of the proposed lease boundary
- Video recording of the seafloor conducted along three, equally spaced transects, each running the entire length of the proposed lease boundary
- Water current speed and direction
- Wind speeds and wave heights
- Bathymetry
- Water temperatures at rearing depths
- Salinity at rearing depths
