Richard Hurlburt, Nova Scotia’s minister of energy, wants to open dialogue on the issue as the moratorium on oil and gas development expires in 2011. Hurlburt said that oil development and fishing can co-exist on Georges Bank. But the Yarmouth MLA has different opinion that 2011 is not that far off and now is the time to start exploring if oil and gas rigs and the fishery could co-exist in the waters off southwestern Nova Scotia.
Hurlburt informed as per the information the two can co-exist. He suggests that people should study properly whether such proposal is possible or not. And for this he is ready to strike up a community panel as soon as possible to begin the process of educating the community. Hurlburt added, “I’m not promoting it and I’m not discouraging it. I’m saying we have to stand up and face this and look at it and not wait until the 11th hour.”
Hurlburt invited suggestions from all such as fishermen, environmentalists, panel members and other communities. He also wants to take up the issue with federal Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn. It was in 1980s when fishermen strongly opposed the oil and gas exploration off Georges Bank. This time Hurlburt is pushing the exploration of oil and gas in the area because it has a potential of five trillion cubic feet of gas and one billion barrels of oil.
The Ecology Action Centre says any oil and gas development in the Georges Bank fishing grounds poses a risk to fish and marine life. The Seafood Producers Association of Nova Scotia is also questioning Hurlburt’s decision.
