Atlantic Salmon Federation is appealing Grieg NL’s USD 250 million salmon farm.
Last week SalmonBusiness reported that The Newfoundland and Labrador department said it informed Grieg NL Nurseries Ltd. and Grieg NL Seafarms Ltd. that the Environmental Impact Statement was deemed acceptable and that the project may proceed.
However in a press release today the Atlantic Salmon Federation say that “the Placentia Bay Aquaculture project sets a worrying precedent for environmental assessment in Canada. As a result, the largest proposed open net-pen salmon aquaculture development in Canadian history has been cleared to proceed, despite significant environmental risk and outstanding questions.”
ASF also alleged that the project – which includes a salmon hatchery in Marystown and 11 sea cages in Placentia Bay – may be breaking conflict of issues rules.
“The release of this project is not surprising given the conflict of interest that arises from the provincial government acting as regulator, decision maker, and now an investor in Grieg itself,” said ASF President Bill Taylor. “The recent announcement that government will buy shares in the company is a clear signal that this review has not been impartial.”
As a result of the release decision, the federation that it will prepare an appeal to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment, Andrew Parsons, in accordance with Newfoundland and Labrador’s Environmental Protection Act, asking him to reconsider his decision.
