BAYSWATER, NS – September 19, 2025 – Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd. (“Kelly Cove”) is pleased that the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (NSDFA) has approved the 10-year term renewal of its marine aquaculture licence no. 1006 in Aspotogan Harbour, Lunenburg County.
The salmon farm located near Saddle Island offshore from Bayswater Beach has been in operation for 30 years for the cultivation of Atlantic salmon.
A public comment period and an extensive performance review based on the technical and biological assessment of the salmon farm was conducted by the Department on the operation pursuant to the Aquaculture Licence and Lease Regulations. In its decision, the Department concluded that concerns and claims made by special interest groups and individuals about impacts to the ocean environment, wild salmon, lobster populations, Bayswater Beach and local tourism industry were unproven and were subjective and speculative in nature.
In particular, the Department reviewed scientific reports and analysed data and concluded:
· There was no evidence that the salmon farm has had a detrimental effect on the lobster population and fishery.
· The odorous, black sediments at Bayswater Beach Provincial Park are not from the salmon farm but are rather consistent with the underlying geology of the area and naturally decaying organic matter not from the salmon farm.
· The production history of the site has demonstrated that the area remains suitable for the cultivation of finfish.
· Kelly Cove has complied with the government’s Environmental Monitoring Program.
· The salmon farm development plan and production history demonstrated an optimum use of marine resources at this location.
· The social and economic benefits that Kelly Cove and the salmon farm offer to the community, charitable groups and provincial economic development is positive and supports local jobs, suppliers, wharves and related services.
“In the future we welcome the opportunity to participate in a Community Liaison Committee as established by the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture,” said Joel Richardson, Vice President of Public Relations for Kelly Cove. “There is much for people to learn about the animal protein farming sector with the lowest carbon footprint and lowest greenhouse gas emissions – finfish aquaculture.”
Farmed Atlantic salmon grown in Nova Scotia is one of the most nutritious foods you can eat. Atlantic salmon is one of the highest sources of heart-healthy omega-3s (DHA, EPA). Learn more here: https://atlanticfishfarmers.com/why-farmed-salmon/a-healthy-choice/
Kelly Cove is the Atlantic Canadian salmon farming division of family-owned Cooke Aquaculture Inc. (“Cooke”) and has been responsibly operating Atlantic salmon farm sites for over 25 years along Nova Scotia’s Southern and Western shores.
Kelly Cove and its affiliates have 315 full-time Nova Scotian employees. Cooke has invested over $250M in Nova Scotia in establishing salmon farms, plant and distribution facilities, trucking operations and other buildings. The company has paid out $240M in salaries to Nova Scotians and provided millions in monetary and in-kind donations to local community and charitable organizations in need.
Cooke’s core purpose is ‘To cultivate the ocean with care, nourish the world, provide for our families, and build stronger communities’.
Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Decision on Application to Renew a Marine Aquaculture Licence: https://novascotia.ca/fish/aquaculture/public-information/public-notice/2025.09.12-Decision-AQ1006.pdf
Contact:
Joel Richardson
Vice President, Public Relations
Cooke Aquaculture Inc. / For Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd.
40 Wellington Row, Saint John, NB, Canada E2L 3H3
+1-506-721-1093 mobile/ +1-506-694-4939 office
joel.richardson@cookeaqua.com
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Other Files:
Decision on Application to Renew a Marine Aquaculture Licence
