FMB Release to Friends and Stakeholders

September 7, 2025

Dear Friends of Mahone Bay and Stakeholders,

A Position Paper on the Blue Lantern Shellfish, Scallop Farm Proposal, Option Area # 4041, Lunenburg County was prepared by Friends of Mahone Bay (FMB) to be presented as part of the 30-day public consultation period should Blue Lantern Shellfish Farms (BLS) submit a proposal for the Indian Point Islands site on August 1, 2025. Many business owners, not for profit organizations, other groups working and operating in the area and hundreds of individuals have signed in support of the Position Paper.

The conclusion of the paper and recommendations are as follows;

FMB does not in any way object to shellfish farming in the marine environment but opposes such a development within Option Area #4041. The Option Area is situated in a segment of the South Shore with highest levels of recreational boating, water-related businesses, and marine conservation.

If realized, the 50-ha Shellfish Aquaculture development would significantly conflict with existing marine uses and pose unacceptable risks to navigation and ecological health.

In moving forward, FMB requests that Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture:

• does not approve a license / lease for the proposed 50 ha scallop farm within Option Area #4041;

• If a lease is to be granted to BLS, it needs to be in a new Option Area outside of the currently proposed area.

FMB is of the opinion that the larger Mahone Bay area and beyond, provides numerous suitable locations with significantly reduced potential for conflicts with other marine users.

Eric Claus, spokesperson of FMB, spoke with Bruce Hancock, Executive Director of Nova Scotia Aquaculture at the end of July. He was informed that Blue Lantern has requested a 6-month extension, giving them until February 1, 2026 to submit an application. It could then take Nova Scotia Aquaculture up to a year for a decision. A decision could be a GO, NO GO, or Modified GO.

Should a proposal be submitted by Blue Lantern in February, then there will be a 30-day public consultation period and the FMB position paper will be presented.

Eric has also met with the office of the local MP, Jessica Fancy-Landry soliciting their support.

Thanks to all of you for your concern and your pro-active engagement, we do not plan to reduce pressure on elected officials and other governance about this issue.

Friends of Mahone Bay

For more information contact:

Eric Claus

Patricia Nelder