Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, is known for its clear waters and vibrant coastal life. Our proposed scallop farm aims not only to produce a highly sought-after product but also to benefit the bay’s ecosystem. Scallops are filter-feeding shellfish, and farming them can enhance water quality, support marine biodiversity, capture carbon, and integrate harmoniously with the environment. Below, we explore the known positive environmental impacts of scallop aquaculture in the North Atlantic, drawing on scientific studies and examples from Nova Scotia and beyond to demonstrate why this venture could be great news for Mahone Bay.

Natural Water Filtration for Cleaner Waters

One of the biggest ecological benefits of farming scallops is their natural water filtration ability. Scallops feed by pumping water through their gills and filtering out microscopic algae (phytoplankton) and particles. In doing so, they act as living water purifiers. A single scallop can filter many gallons of seawater each day, removing excess microscopic plants and bacteria. In fact, similar to oysters, Atlantic scallops can significantly improve water quality by siphoning out suspended matter in the water column. This results in clearer water with increased sunlight penetration, which can enhance the growth of underwater plants, such as nearby eelgrass, that require light. 

By extracting algae and organic particles, scallops help balance nutrients in the ecosystem. Coastal waters in populated areas often suffer from nutrient overload (nitrogen and phosphorus from runoff), leading to algal blooms and low oxygen levels. Filter feeders like scallops remove algae fueled by these nutrients and incorporate them into their own shells and tissues. When we harvest farmed scallops, we effectively remove nitrogen and carbon from the bay. This process is sometimes referred to as bioextraction. A global study by NOAA in 2022 highlighted that shellfish farms absorb large amounts of excess nutrients, providing a valuable service by preventing algal blooms. In Rhode Island, regulators have noted that shellfish aquaculture offers measurable water quality benefits, actively removing nutrients and improving water clarity with no detrimental impacts.

The takeaway is that a scallop farm in Mahone Bay would act like a natural filtration plant. As thousands of scallops feed each day, the bay’s waters can become clearer and healthier. Cleaner water isn’t just an abstract benefit – it means a more pleasant bay for recreational users and improved conditions for fish, kelp, and seagrass. Unlike mechanical filtration, scallops do this at no cost and with no chemicals, simply by feeding. The proposed farm would require no feed or fertilizer inputs (scallops just eat wild plankton) and thus involves zero added nutrients to the water. In short, Mahone Bay’s waters would be filtered and refreshed by the farm’s scallops, supporting the bay’s overall water quality and ecological balance.

Habitat Enhancement and Biodiversity Boost

Scallop aquaculture doesn’t just take from the sea – it can actually create habitat. The gear used to farm scallops (typically “lantern” nets or cages hung in the water column) creates structure in the bay where there used to be open water. These structures act like artificial reefs, attracting marine life and fostering biodiversity. Small fish and other organisms hide among the scallop nets and lines, finding food and shelter. Over time, a mini-ecosystem develops around a scallop farm. For example, marine scientists have observed that shellfish farms provide habitat for economically important wild species, essentially serving as nurseries or safe havens for young fish. The cages and scallop shells underwater become encrusted with tiny plants and animals, which in turn attract higher levels of the food chain. A scallop farm is harvested by hand or by simply lifting the cages. The farm’s lantern nets hang in mid-water and have minimal contact with the seabed, ensuring that the rich bottom habitats remain intact and undisturbed beneath the farm.

[image caption] Scallops grown in suspended “lantern” nets form vertical reef-like structures underwater, creating shelter and surfaces for other marine species to colonize. Divers have observed how the stacks of scallops provide habitat for fish, crustaceans, and other organisms.

All of this means that a well-managed scallop farm can actually increase local biodiversity. It introduces a three-dimensional structure into the ecosystem and avoids harmful practices. Residents of other North Atlantic communities have reported seeing more marine life around shellfish farms. In Maine, for instance, fishermen pioneering scallop farming note that their gear tends to collect other species of wild shellfish and seaweeds, drawing in juvenile fish seeking shelter. Similarly, in studies in Quebec and Nova Scotia, scallop lines have been described as havens for a variety of species. For this reason, marine biologists often view shellfish aquaculture as a tool for habitat enhancement. One review even stated that mollusk farms are “the most beneficial form of aquaculture for the environment” because they add habitat complexity and filter the water, rather than removing resources.

In short, the proposed farm in Mahone Bay would not exist in isolation; it would become a part of the ecosystem, teeming with life. This can be observed on any of the farms currently operating in the bay. The scallops and their enclosures will provide surfaces for algae and invertebrates, hiding spots for young lobsters or fish, and feeding opportunities up the food web. Biodiversity thrives when there are more habitats, and a scallop farm offers just that. This aligns perfectly with the marine conservation goals of enhancing reef habitat and supporting fish populations. Even Scotland, across the Atlantic, recognizes that expanding shellfish aquaculture can help halt biodiversity loss by providing new marine habitats in a sustainable way. Mahone Bay’s scallop farm can thus be a beacon of “restorative aquaculture” – farming that actively restores and enriches the environment.

Blue Carbon: Scallops and Climate-Friendly Farming

Beyond local water and habitat benefits, scallop farming plays a role in the global fight against climate change. It might surprise some to learn that shellfish aquaculture is being studied as a form of blue carbon solution—an ocean-based method for capturing and storing carbon. Here’s how it works: As scallops grow, they build their shells from calcium carbonate, which contains carbon derived from carbon dioxide in the water. Essentially, some CO₂ from the atmosphere (which dissolves into the ocean) becomes locked away in a scallop’s shell. If those shells are later used in landscaping, construction (crushed as aggregate), or even just buried in sediment, that carbon can be stored long-term instead of returning to the atmosphere.

On a farm scale, each scallop’s contribution is small, but it accumulates with thousands of shells. A scientific analysis in 2022 estimated that bivalve shellfish aquaculture globally produces up to 11.9 million metric tons of carbon-rich shells each year. This represents a significant quantity of carbon bound in solid form. Scallops are part of this equation – in fact, researchers noted that oysters, clams, and scallops were among the most important species for carbon removal in China’s mariculture industry, collectively accounting for a substantial share of the carbon sequestration potential. While the chemistry of shell formation is complex (and researchers are examining the net CO₂ effects), the idea is that farming shellfish could be a natural method to enhance carbon storage in coastal areas.

Another climate benefit is the low carbon footprint of scallop farming operations. Because scallops feed themselves (no manufactured feed or fishmeal needed) and no heated tanks or intensive infrastructure are required, the energy inputs are minimal. Farming scallops in the ocean utilizes the natural environment’s own productivity. A NOAA report highlighted that farmed shellfish like scallops are among the most environmentally sustainable animal proteins available – they require no freshwater, no feed, and only modest fuel for small boats. In Nova Scotia, a scallop farm would involve a few small work vessels tending the lines. The Blue Lantern project in Mahone Bay emphasizes its minimal carbon footprint, noting that it aligns with “blue carbon” sequestration ideals.

By contributing to cleaner water and cultivating a carbon-storing crop, scallop aquaculture aligns with broader conservation initiatives. It presents an intriguing aspect of the carbon puzzle, offering a desirable protein source with a minimal carbon footprint and a side benefit of carbon capture—a win-win as we work towards sustainable, climate-smart food systems.

Fitting in with Mahone Bay’s Ecosystem  

Considering all these benefits, how would a scallop farm actually fit into the Mahone Bay environment? The good news is that it can fit very harmoniously. Scallop farming is a low-impact activity in terms of physical presence. The farm would consist of lines and lantern nets suspended below the surface, marked by only a minimal number of small buoys on the water. There are no large platforms or buildings – just a tidy arrangement of gear blending into the bay. Small boats operated by a small crew would tend the farm quietly, ensuring minimal disturbance to neighbours and wildlife. Other bay users (like kayakers, sailors, or fishermen) can easily navigate around the lease area. In fact, the design is such that most of the farm’s activity is hidden underwater, out of sight and mind for the casual observer.

From an ecological perspective, site selection is crucial for integration. We continue to conduct scientific assessments to ensure that the chosen locations possess the right conditions for scallops and do not harm sensitive habitats. Scallop farms require good water flow and specific depths; therefore, the farms will be located where currents naturally disperse biodeposits from the scallops, preventing any buildup on the seabed. With no antibiotics or chemicals involved, there is no risk of pollutants entering the water. Essentially, the farm becomes another part of the marine environment that humans tend. Local conservation groups, universities, and marine scientists are welcome to partner in monitoring the farm’s effects; however, based on experiences from elsewhere in Nova Scotia and the Gulf of St. Lawrence (e.g., trials in Quebec’s Gaspé region), the impacts are anticipated to be neutral to positive for the ecosystem.

It’s also worth noting that scallop farming aligns with regional and global goals for sustainable oceans. Nova Scotia’s aquaculture strategy identifies shellfish culture as a sustainable growth area due to its low impact. Internationally, organizations encourage shellfish farming as a way to boost coastal water quality and restore lost shellfish populations. In Rhode Island, for example, shellfish aquaculture is part of the state’s restoration toolkit for improving coastal ponds. In Scotland, increasing shellfish and seaweed farming is seen as a method to achieve “nature-positive” outcomes by 2030. By embracing scallop aquaculture, Mahone Bay and Nova Scotia would be joining a forward-thinking movement that sees aquaculture not as a threat, but as a powerful tool for marine conservation when done right.

A Sustainable Future for Mahone Bay and the North Atlantic

Scallop aquaculture in Mahone Bay has the potential to exemplify environmentally conscious development. All signs indicate that farming scallops is gentle on the planet and beneficial for our waters. It produces healthy local food while filtering the bay, supporting marine life, and even contributing to carbon sequestration efforts. Examples from Maine to Quebec and across the Atlantic to Scotland demonstrate that these benefits are real – communities are discovering that shellfish farms can enhance their marine environments, not degrade them. As one Rhode Island working group concluded, mollusk farming is often “the most beneficial form of aquaculture for the environment,” effectively cleaning the water and creating habitat.

For Mahone Bay, the introduction of a new scallop farm could mean cleaner water, increased fish activity, and a new source of pride in sustainable ocean farming. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate how aquaculture and conservation can go hand-in-hand. Imagine a future where the bay’s waters are clearer each summer, where local fishermen report seeing schools of juvenile fish around the farm, and where the community can enjoy fresh, locally grown scallops, knowing that their production actually helped the bay. That future is attainable with science-based, responsible scallop aquaculture.

In summary, scallop farming in Mahone Bay offers far more than economic opportunity – it offers an ecological boost to the bay and contributes to marine conservation goals in the North Atlantic region. The scallops will filter and refresh the water, the farm will become a lively habitat oasis, and the operation will lock away carbon while treading lightly on the seabed. It’s hard to find a downside to this form of aquaculture when done correctly. As we look for sustainable ways to use our coastal resources, scallop aquaculture stands out as a win-win. Mahone Bay’s proposed farm can thus be proudly promoted not just as a seafood venture, but as a positive force for the environment – a shining example of how growing our food can also heal our oceans.

References

1. Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (2025). Aquaculture and Marine Plants. https://novascotia.ca/fish/aquaculture/
2. BioScience (2022). Climate-Friendly Seafood: The Potential for Emissions Reduction and Carbon Capture in Marine Aquaculture. https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/article/72/2/123/6485038
3. NOAA Fisheries (2023). Farming Sea Scallops in Maine Offers New Opportunities and Builds Community Resilience. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/video/farming-sea-scallops-maine-offers-new-opportunities-and-builds-community-resilience
4. ScienceDirect (2019). Nitrogen removal potential of shellfish aquaculture harvests in eastern Canada: A comparison of culture methods. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352513418301327
5. Frontiers in Marine Science (2024). Potential nutrient, carbon and fisheries impacts of large-scale seaweed and shellfish aquaculture in Europe evaluated using operational oceanographic model outputs https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2024.1405303/full
6. DFO Canada (2025). Sustainable Aquaculture. https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/index-eng.htm
7. Nature-Based Solutions: Marine. https://www.nature.scot/climate-change/nature-based-solutions/nature-based-solutions-practice/nature-based-solutions-marine
8. SAOS (2021) Alternative markets for farmed Scottish shellfish and associated requirements. https://www.crownestatescotland.com/sites/default/files/2023-07/alternative-markets-for-farmed-scottish-shellfish-and-associated-requirements.pdf
9. NOAA Fisheries. (2022). Aquaculture Supports a Sustainable Earth. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/aquaculture-supports-sustainable-earth