Shelburne Municipal Councillors received complaints from several residents in Sandy Point over plans to move salmon cages within Shelburne Harbour. Acting upon that the councilors initiated a meeting with representatives of the New Brunswick based company, Cooke Aquaculture.
Concerns were relayed on noise, pollution and the effect moves could have on sailing programs and some homeowners’ property values. According to company representatives moving cages is a part of a fallowing technique used to minimize pollution and to eradicate any potential diseases amongst its fish populations.
The manager of the Shelburne operation, Jeff Nickerson was accompanied by Cooke Aquacultures VP of Public Relations Nell Halse, who spoke to councilors about the history of the family company. Halse said the company was willing to work with residents in efforts to minimize any effects its operations have in the area.
Nickerson noted that fallowing is a crucial part of raising fish and helps keep the harbour bottom clean. The company has a total of 70 cages in Shelburne Harbour and is proposing dropping that number to 58 as it fallows some sites and moves other cages. Councilor Roger Taylor asked if the company had any interest in developing a fish processing plant to service its growing Nova Scotia sites.
