Strong opposition to fish farm brought to council

Opponents of the proposed Cooke Aquaculture salmon farm expansion were out in force at the Region of Queens council meeting on Nov 13, imploring councillors to voice their opposition to the farm.

Cooke is looking to expand in the Liverpool Bay, with the possible of doubling their current capacity of 400,000 fish.

While aquaculture expansion is a provincial decision, the request came for council to write an official letter of opposition on behalf of the citizens of Queens. This letter would then be submitted to the provincial review board.

Fred Giffin was one who spoke that day, and responded to councillors who had previously said they need more information to make a decision. Among other things he suggested the documentary Salmon Wars and Salmon Confidential. He said the heart of the issue was Cooke Aquaculture’s track record and protecting the environment.

“We want to protect those beaches,” says Giffin. “We wanted to protect Summerville and Carters Beach. We want to protect all the beaches and shorelines here.”

He was far from the only one who spoke out against the expansion, but their arguments were clear. With questionable business practices and the threat of other industries being harmed, more salmon farms were not welcome in the Liverpool Bay.

“When we look back on this in 20, 30 40 years, we’ll look back on this as criminal. It’s selling out our future for a couple dollars now,” said Kristen Lewis.