Matthew Atlantic
Frilled anenomes near Matthew Atlantic dive site (Photo: Kim Langille)
News and Events
David Suzuki Foundation - Comments on Environmental Assessment for 3 Aquaculture Sites Proposed for Shelburne County
January 14, 2012 
Kelly Cove Salmon (a division of Cooke Aquaculture) has submitted a proposal to establish three new salmon aquaculture sites in Middle Head, Jordan Bay and Blue Island, near Shelburne, Nova Scotia, (south of Port Mouton Bay). An Environmental Assessment for this proposal is currently underway.
This proposal attracted the attention and scrutiny of the David Suzuki Foundation. The Foundation has submitted a response noting the proposal document fails to adequately address the environmental impact of fish waste, pesticide use, and lice infestations on other marine life such as lobsters.
- Read David Suzuki Foundation Response (PDF)
- Canadian Environmental Assessment Notice: Proposed Aquaculture Sites at Middle Head, Jordan Bay and Blue Island, Nova Scotia
Dr. Guy E. Melville - Comments on Environmental Assessment for St. Mary's Bay Aquaculture Site
December 11, 2011
Governmental approval for two large aquaculture sites in St. Mary's Bay was given to Kelly Cove Salmon (owned by Cooke Aquaculture) in June 2011. The decision was not applauded by many with concerns about aquaculture. In July 2011, a coalition of groups from St. Mary's Bay have launched a court case to stop the development.
In this open letter, Dr. Melville, Marine Ecosystem Scientist, shares his views on the shortcomings of the environmental assessment process for this project. He also cites examples the harm salmon aquaculture activities cause lobster. We invite you to read his thoughtful analysis.
DFO Seeks Input on: "Treatment and Control of Fish Pathogen and Pests in Aquaculture"
November 25, 2011 (updated Dec 7, 2011)
In early November 2011, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans announced it was seeking public input on DFO's intention to develop regulations for use of "responsible treatment and control of fish pathogen and pests in aquaculture facilities" (Read full notice).
Friends of Port Mouton Bay have submitted a response to this request. We have expressed our strong concerns about the impact of these "treatments" not only to the farmed fish, but other marine life such as lobsters that share the same waters.
Thoughtful responses from others concerned about this issue have also sent in responses. Read some of the thoughtful responses below. Deadline for comments was: December 4, 2011
- Friends' Response : Fish Pathogen and Pest Treatments in Aquaculture Facilities (PDF)
- Individual Responses sent to DFO from: R. Peter Muttart, Q.C, Judith A Pottie, Robert Ross, Tom Sherman (PDF)
- DFO - Notice of Intent with Respect to Regulations for Fish Pathogens and Pest Treatment
- Call for Public Input as posted on the Canada Gazette
Study Of Geochemical and Faunal Sediments in Port Mouton Bay (Sampling 2009 and 2010)
November 5, 2011
Friends releases second sediment study of Port Mouton Bay. The latest report includes analysis of samples collected in 2009 and 2010, 3 months and 15 months after the start of the fallowing period.
This research was conducted by a team led by Dr. Jon Grant of Dalhousie University's Department of Oceanography. Friends of Port Mouton Bay (FPMB) facilitated and coordinated the field surveys, with the cooperation of Cooke Aquaculture.
Mary Mouzar, a long-time Friend of Port Mouton Bay, Passes Away
October 28, 2011
In Memoriam - Mary Mouzar
We are sorry to learn of Mary's passing on September 30, 2011
Mary Mouzar (Photo Courtesy of Chandler Funeral Service)
Mary provided the Friends of Port Mouton Bay with our first media coverage through her website, Queens County Times (QCT). Mary had a wide readership locally, and among Queens County folks living away. Seasonal residents relied on QCT to keep in touch with their summer community.
She published stories, articles, letters and pictures for the Friends of Port Mouton Bay, and announced our meetings. Mary's late husband Barry regularly contributed photographs to the QCT website. He initiated a daily journal, recording weather and changing seasons. Both Mary and Barry were true Friends of the Bay, watching over calm or stormy waters from their seaside home.
We are grateful for Mary's contribution to our work.
Friends of Port Mouton Bay
Friends Releases Latest Sediment Studies and 2011 Lobster Trap Survey
September 7, 2011
- Trace Metals in Sediments of Port Mouton Bay (Sampling 2009 and 2010) (PDF)
- Trace Metals in Sea-Surface Microlayer (Sampling 2010 and 2011) (PDF)
- Port Mouton Bay Lobster Trap Survey - May 2011 (Data from 2007 to 2011 inclusive) (PDF)
The Advance : Fish farm effects still felt after two years
August 30, 2011
Nick Moase, The Queens County Advance, reports on Friends science findings presented to the community on August 25, 2011. Fish farm effects still felt after two years.
Coastal CURA - Field Trip to Port Mouton Bay
July 7, 2011
Port Mouton Bay hosted a field trip for delegates attending a conference in Halifax called: People in Places, Engaging Together in Integrated Resource Management. The community rallied together and put on a fabulous day. Check out the details and watch the videos!
New “Friends - Protecting Our Bay” Sign Ready!
December 20, 2010
New sign hot off the presses! Pickup your new sign in Liverpool, at DvL Publishing, 154 Main Street (across from the Liverpool Pizzeria); phone: 902-354-5411. Donation of $2 per sign requested!
Port Mouton Bay Lobster Trap Survey - May 2010
July 22, 2010
In May 2010, Friends of Port Mouton Bay completed its fourth lobster trap survey. Local fishermen recorded data on lobster catches in various locations in Port Mouton Bay. The results of this study, compiled with results for 2007, 2008, 2009, are now available. Note: Report updated to include 2011 data. Read Port Mouton Bay Lobster Trap Survey - May 2011 (Data from 2007 to 2011 inclusive) (PDF)
Site Recovery and Far-field Effects of Spectacle Island Salmon Farm Site in Port Mouton Bay (Sediment Report)
July 22, 2010
A study of sediments in Port Mouton Bay was begun in October 2009 by a team led by Dr. Jon Grant of Dalhousie University's Department of Oceanography. Friends of Port Mouton Bay (FPMB) facilitated and coordinated the field surveys with the cooperation of Cooke Aquaculture. This report has been updated in 2011. Please read updated report (which includes samples from 2009 and 2010) Study Of Geochemical and Faunal Sediments in Port Mouton Bay (PDF)
Trace Metals in Sediments of Port Mouton Bay
July 22, 2010
In addition to the Sediment Report (above), Friends of Port Mouton Bay, have released the results of trace metals found in sediment near the existing fish farm site, and beyond. Note: This report has been updated in 2011. Read the updated report: Trace Metals in Sediments of Port Mouton Bay (2011) (PDF)
Oceanographic View of Spectacle Island Finfish Site, Port Mouton Bay
July 22, 2010
To illustrate the the physical properties of the marine waters around the existing Spectacle Island fish farm site, and the Bay, Friends of Port Mouton Bay have prepared the following document: Oceanographic View of Spectacle Island Finfish Site, Port Mouton Bay (PDF).
Application of a Traffic Light Decision System for Marine Finfish Aquaculture Siting Assessment in Port Mouton, Nova Scotia - by B. T. Hargrave
July 22, 2010
In evaluating sites for aquaculture projects, DFO Maritimes developed the “Marine Finfish Aquaculture Decision Support System, (MFADSS)”. Renowned expert in the field, B. T. Hargrave, applied the MFADSS system to Port Mouton Bay. The detailed results of this analysis, released to FPMB, are contained in the reports below.
- Brief Summary of Hargrave Report
- Report on Application of Siting Criteria for Finfish Aquaculture in Port Mouton Bay April 22, 2009 (PDF)
Lobster Deaths in New Brunswick
February 18, 2010
Reports of an illegal pesticide found on weak and dying lobsters on the Fundy coast raised the alarm for fishermen in New Brunswick. These lobster were found near fish farms. Read the various news reports:
- Lobster death raises questions (CBC News)
Also, note the video links - Lobster deaths raise questions after traces of pesticide found (February 26, 2010)
For further reading on pesticide use at fish farms see our “Aquaculture Management Practices” section on our Links page.
Pathways of Effects for Finfish and Shellfish Aquaculture - Report Published
January 2010
In October 2009, a workshop was organized in Ottawa by the DFO Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) to examine environmental effects of aquaculture. The final report from the workshop will be used to develop a framework for regulation of the aquaculture sector in Canada.
Ron Loucks, representing Friends of Port Mouton Bay, participated in this workshop. Other attendees included representatives from government, industry, non-governmental organizations and First Nations.
- Summary Report - Pathways of Effects for Finfish and Shellfish Aquaculture, Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat, Science Advisory Report 2009/071
- Full 24 page report (PDF)
Port Mouton Bay - Boat Rally
July 10, 2009
Local fishermen and Friends organized a rally of fishing boats to demonstrate where the second fish farm had been planned. Check out the gorgeous aerial photos of the rally and the Bay!
Friends of Port Mouton Bay - Winners of Tooker Gomberg Media Award
June 23, 2009
“Friends of Port Mouton Bay” are delighted to be recipients of Tooker Gomberg Award. The award, given by the Ecology Acton Centre (EAC) is given to person or event that “most creatively and brilliantly ‘made the news’ in the past year”. See Ecology Action Centre Awards Page for more information.
EAC also announced that Dirk Van Loon and Anne Gray were winners of the Bubby Mooers Award for their work in establishing the Harrison Lewis Coastal Centre in Port Joli, Queens County. See more details.
Moratorium on Finfish Aquaculture Announced!
On March 12, 2009 the Premier of Nova Scotia, Rodney MacDonald, announced an “indefinite” moratorium on more finfish aquaculture operations in Port Mouton Bay. The announcement, made at a Queens County Chamber of Commerce event, was met with a great round of applause.
Read the press coverage:
- NovaNewsNow: Premier announces surprise moratorium on Port Mouton Bay fish farming
- Chronicle Herald: Province rejects finfish aquaculture plans
Sincere THANKS to our many, many supporters for their hard work, and unflagging determination over the past two and half years!
As long as the moratorium is in place, we have achieved ONE of our TWO goals. One goal remains - closure of the fish farm off Spectacle Island. So while we celebrate this success, we know our work continues!
Local Fishermen, Community Leaders and Scientists Meet to Discuss the Future of one of Nova Scotia's Fragile Ecosystems
February 25, 2009
“Friends of Port Mouton Bay” (FPMB) have called an emergency press conference to discuss and demonstrate the increasing pollution and resulting degradation of Port Mouton Bay since Aquaculture Site 0835 (Spectacle Island) was established in 1995. Read the complete News Release.
Media Coverage on our Press Conference
Many members of the press attended our press conference. In addition to excellent coverage by CBC Radio, and Global TV today, the following articles have been published:
- CBC Nova Scotia: Proposed N.S. salmon farm meets more opposition
- The Chronicle Herald: Not another fish farm - Port Mouton group say aquaculture hurts fishery; company disagrees
- Mark Robert's report available at:
- The Nova Scotia Business Journal: 'Friends' take aquaculture fight to Province House, and at,
- NovaNewsNow (The Advance): 'Friends' of bay taking aquaculture fight to Province House - Members allege large farm has been approved
- The Fish Site: Farming in Nova Scotia: Fishermen Predict Disaster
Rural Delivery - The Fight for Port Mouton Bay
June 5, 2008
Rural Delivery publishes an article, The Fight for Port Mouton Bay (PDF), (by Jennifer Ford) about our ongoing opposition to the proposed fish farm expansion; opposition based on our own research, and experience with the existing fish farm.
A fishy questionnaire from Queens County
August 31, 2007
The Queens County Advance is holding a questionaire on the Port Mouton Bay fish farm. Everyone is invited to respond and comment on the existing fish farm and proposed expansion plans.
Divers Kathy and Dave Brush : What They Found in Port Mouton Bay
August 21, 2007
Listen to an interview of Kathy and Dave Brush about their dives in Port Mouton Bay. And view their underwater pictures.
The Advance - Eyewitness account debated over aquaculture farm
August 18, 2007
Read Leanne Delong's article, Eyewitness account debated over aquaculture farm, on Kathy and Dave Brush, and their dives in Port Mouton Bay.
Beverley Ware, The Halifax Herald
July 28, 2007
Beverley Ware, The Halifax Herald, spoke to Ron Loucks and Ruth Smith about the proposed fish farm in Port Mouton Bay, and the studies that have been done by the community. Read her article titled: Experts: Fish farm should be stopped (PDF).
Letter from Gerald Keddy, MP
July 18, 2007
Gerald Keddy, MP could not attend the July 18th community meeting. Read his letter to “Friends” restating his opposition to the fish farm expansion.
Community Meeting - Port Mouton
July 18, 2007
“Friends” held a well-attended community meeting at the West Queens Rec Centre to review the status of the fish farm application, and present research collected by “Friends”. Full meeting details including presentation slides.
The Chronicle Herald
April 28, 2007
In his article, Battle of Port Mouton Bay: trouble in fish farming (PDF), Ralph Surette expresses his views on the proposed fish farm, and government's promotion and regulation of the aquaculture industry.
CKBW Radio
March 25, 2007
Listen to Sheldon MacLeod speak with Blair Davis about the proposed fish farm. Listen now (Windows Media File, 1.3Mb)
Friends of Port Mouton Bay - Rally
March 18, 2007
About 150 enthusiatic people attended the rally at South West Port Mouton Beach to show opposition to the proposed fish farm. Local lobster fishermen participated by forming a parade of boats just off the beach.
The crowd, waving "Fish Farms put Port Mouton Bay at RISK" signs, listened to Darlene Norman, Vicki Conrad, MLA for Queens, and Darrell Dexter, leader of the Nova Scotia NDP declare their opposition to the proposed fish farm.
Global Maritimes TV
March 15 and 18, 2007
Watch news clips produced by Global TV Evening News, one before the rally, and one at the rally. Watch now: March 15 (Windows Media File, 14.4Mb) and March 18 (Windows Media File, 11.5Mb).
CJCH Radio
March 15, 2007
Listen to Rick Howe discuss the proposed fish farm with Blair Davis of Port Mouton. Radio spot supplied courtesy of "The Hotline with Rick Howe, 92/CJCH". Listen now (Windows Media File, 500k)
Community Meeting - Port Mouton
March 4, 2007
More than 60 people attended a Sunday afternoon meeting at the West Queens Rec Centre called to review the status of the proposed new fish farm project. Fishers, lawyers, politicians, oceanographers and teachers were among the many who reiterated the importance of the natural quality of the area to many local and thriving industries.
Meeting attendees asserted their commitment to vigorously bringing their concerns to government officials. Future meetings to deal with strategy for a public hearing and possible protests are being planned. (See picture of meeting)
Aqua Fish Farm posts Navigable Waters Protection Announcement
February 26, 2007
Under the Environmental Assessment Review process, projects like Aqua Fish Farm's project are assessed for their impact on marine navigation. This public comment period for has now closed. View details and related documents.
Premier visits Port Mouton
November 28, 2006
Premier Rodney MacDonald met with Queens County locals, including those who oppose the proposed fish farm expansion in Port Mouton Bay.
Debate in the Legislature on resolution opposing the application
November 22, 2006
The Friends of Port Mouton Bay were in the gallery during a discussion on Resolution 1024 put forward by the opposition. The Resolution reads:
"Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly support the efforts of the community and the members of The Friends of Port Mouton Bay in their working to preserve Port Mouton Bay from the proposed expansion of Aqua Fish Farm's current development."
The Ministers of Fisheries and the Environment met with the group following the sitting of the Legislature.
Read the Hansard transcript
Presentation by Inka Milewski
November 15, 2006
Inka Milewski, marine biologist, spoke about the environmental, sustainable and economical aspects of salmon farming. See photos and slides.
Queens Progressive Conservative Association
November 16, 2006
The Association takes a stand against the application.
Open House hosted by Aqua Fish Farms
November 13 and 14, 2006
Two open house sessions held by the company were well attended. The company presented Information on their proposed project, and fielded questions from attendees.
Aqua Fish Farms address Region of Queens Municipality Council
November 15, 2006
Representatives presented information on their company, and the proposed expansion to their salmon farm operation in Port Mouton Bay. Councillors and the Major posed many questions to company officials.
Further discussion on Aqua Fish Farms in the Provincial Legislature
November 14, 2006
Read the Hansard transcript
Discussion on Aqua Fish Farms in the Provincial Legislature
November 1, 2006
Read the Hansard transcript
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture address Region of Queens Municipality Council
October 24, 2006
Officials from the provincial department made a presentation describing aquauculture as "The Blue Revolution"; a rural-based industry that is environmentally and economically sustainable.
Region of Queens Municipality vote on Aqua Fish Farms application
August 21, 2006
The Council votes unanimously to oppose Aqua Fish Farm application to expand its operations. Read the letter sent to the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.