Y95 photo.
Members of the Yarmouth community protested a proposed salmon farm in Chebogue outside the municipal office today.
The peaceful protest took place this morning as stakeholders shared their concerns about the impact the open-flow, land-based salmon farm would have on the industries, environment and wildlife in Chebogue Point.
Senior official with Coldwater Lobster Association and spokesperson for the protesters, Bernie Berry, discussed the groups concerns.
(left to right) Bernie Berry, Roy White, Gary Colquhoun, Raymond Muise and David Fevens share their perspectives for the Y95 Weekender.
“You’re taking in seawater but you’re also pushing stuff back into the ocean that’s probably, at that time, once it goes through the system is full of contaminants and all these things that are really detrimental to the environment and to certain industries in the local area.”
He outlined what the group wants from the municipality.
“The amendment should be that there will be no salmon farming. It doesn’t matter what type whether it be open pen, whether it be open flow, whether it be closed or land based. None in the municipality of Yarmouth. The pros and the cons, no, it just simply outweighs any benefit.”
The municipal councillors went out and spoke with the stakeholders at the protest.
A public participation meeting about the farm will be held virtually on July 20th at 6 p.m. The municipalities Planning Advisory Committee will then make a recommendation to council on whether or not to re-zone the land.
Berry was not the only stakeholder who voiced concerns at the protest. More accounts from stakeholders can be heard this Sunday, on The Weekender.
Find out more about the proposal here.
Y95 photo
