We see a shared future where both a growing sustainable wild caught seafood sector and the offshore energy sector can co-exist and bring cumulative prosperity to the maritime economy
About Us
The Nova Scotia Fisheries Alliance for Energy Engagement was borne from a shared belief that responsible development of offshore energy resources can coexist with a sustainable and prosperous fishing industry. Our members envision a future where the annual $ 2.6 billion economic injection by the fishing sector to the Nova Scotian economy is grown and magnified alongside the development of our offshore energy resources, leading to a strong rural community fabric and a vibrant provincial economy.
With membership from across nineteen separate Fisheries Associations, the NSFAEE represents the collective voice of the harvesting, buying and processing sectors within the province. Our harvesters extend from those fishers whom never leave sight of land to those that are harvesting the very edges of the Scotian Shelf. Members share a common purpose embodied by our mandate:
OUR MISSION
To unite the Nova Scotia fishing industry; ensuring the emerging renewable offshore energy sector is developed in a manner that respects fisheries, coastal communities, and the marine environment
Our core principles for development include:
RESPONSIBLE
Developments should be placed in areas respecting both existing users and where there is low risk of long-term impact to fisheries and marine ecosystems that
support them.
TRANSPARENT
Whether it be baseline ecological
information or changing development design, this information should be freely available for the harvesting sectors and Canadians to review
and understand.
FUTURE PROOFING
We realize that the real impacts of energy development may not be felt for years after the development is conducted. We support the establishment of Renewable Effects Fund that will support the fishing industry in the event that unforeseen impacts of this new development can not be minimized on the harvesters and communities that make up the rural fabric of Nova Scotia.
Our Members
The fishing industry is at the front line of the changes in the marine environment. They understand that the impacts of offshore energy development stand to be felt far afield from where the projects are located and believe that through effective communication and consultation, both the commercial fishing industry and offshore energy industry can co-exist towards a positive future.
Our members include representatives from the majority of the harvesters fishing our maritime waters whom are stewards of the resources they sustainably harvest from.
MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS INCLUDE:
Southwest Nova Tuna Association
Tuna Charter Nova Scotia Association
Scotia Fundy Inshore Fishermen’s Assoc.
Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance
Seafood Producers Association of Nova Scotia
Bay of Fundy Inshore Fishermen’s Association
Brazil Rock 33/34 Lobster
Richmond Co. Inshore Fishermen’s Assoc.
Full Bay Scallop Association
Eastern Shore Fisherman’s Protective Assoc.
Maritime Fishermen’s Union – Local 4, 6 & 9
Shelburne County Quota Group
Area 19 Snow Crab Fishermen’s Association
Atlantic Groundfish Council
Cape Breton Fish Harvesters Association
NS Swordfishermen’s Association
Guys. Co. Inshore Fishermen’s Assoc.
SHQ Swordfish Harpoon Quota Group
Members have a shared vision of co-existence and sustainability for their industry and believe that through good planning, they can create a future blue economy that will support all marine users – both those that have traditionally used these waters for centuries and new users supporting a net-zero transition.
By working together, the fishery and offshore wind energy can co-exist towards a prosperous net-zero future to the benefit of all Nova Scotians.