The province recently asked the federal government to not designate any new maritime protected areas in our waters.
MPAs restrict activities in the oceans such as fishing or oil exploration.
MP for South Shore-St. Margaret’s Bernadette Jordan says the request is premature.
“I don’t know that there’s any more actually on the radar for Nova Scotia at the moment. I haven’t seen that list that says, you know, we’re going to do this, this or this.”
Jordan says Parliament would not impose new maritime protected areas unilaterally on the province.
“I think there needs to be more discussion, more dialogue so that there’s a lot more understanding. And that’s not just with the provincial and the federal government, that’s right across the board.”
Jordan says the issue isn’t black and white and any new protection measures would only be put in place after consulting with stakeholders around all sides of the issue.
She adds, the last time maritime protected areas were created, the process took seven years.
Leo Muise, Executive Director with the Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance says the province made a fair request.
“What I believe the province asked for was a delay in proceeding with the next five percent until other regions of the country catch up to what we’ve already done. I personally think that’s a reasonable ask.”
Muise says the province is already leading the country in protected areas.
“All they’re asking for is a delay, or a slow down until we see what other regions of the country are doing. If everybody feels that we have to go another five percent then, hey, we’ll get on with her.”
Muise has no issue with conservation efforts, but would like to see them applied fairly across the country.
Ariel Smith with Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation is sympathetic to industry concerns.
“We understand that there’s kind of fear over the economic vitality of the coast if there’s marine protected areas imposed.”
Smith says just because an area is protected, doesn’t mean it’s off limits.
“What should be understood is that there still can be a lot of low-impact lobster fishing taking place in protected areas. And also it may be beneficial.”
Smith says from a business standpoint, MPAs can help conserve fish stocks and support tourism.
