2020-Sep-14
GBA Asks MECP to Recategorize Open Net Pen Aquaculture EA
GBA is calling on the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) to apply the correct Environmental Assessment (EA) Category to the aquaculture operations in Georgian Bay and the North Channel to ensure that the assessment process recognizes the substantive potential for environmental damage and the high level of public concern about this industry. Currently Ontario is the only jurisdiction along the Great Lakes coastline that allows net-pen aquaculture in public waters. These operations are classified as Category A, which means they are considered to have a minimal adverse environmental impact and attract no significant public concern, neither of which is correct.
The submission can be found here and more information on GBA’s position on cage aquaculture can be found here.