Province Releases State of Nova Scotia's Coast Report

Fisheries and Aquaculture

Published Thursday, December 10, 2009

The State of Nova Scotia's Coast Report, the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada, is available for review. The report looks in detail at six priority issues: sea level rise and storm events, public coastal access, working waterfronts, coastal water quality, coastal ecosystems and habitats, and coastal development.

Quotes

The State of Nova Scotia's Coast Report provides an overview of the condition of our coast and information on priority coastal issues. We must look at ways to protect the coast where we live, work, and play. It is vital to who we are and a way of life that is valued by Nova Scotians.Sterling Belliveau, Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister

This report is a snapshot of the current state of the province's coast, including its history. Using feedback from Nova Scotians, as well as information in the report, a coastal strategy will be developed for release in 2010.Justin Huston, chair of the Provincial Oceans Network, the group of 15 departments and agencies that oversaw the development of the report.

The Coastal Coalition of Nova Scotia congratulates the government on this important step towards better management of our coasts. Nova Scotians are eager for leadership and action. Our coastal communities have a vital role to play to help bring it to fruition quickly.Jennifer Graham, Coastal Co-ordinator at the Ecology Action Centre and representative with Coastal Coalition of Nova Scotia

Quick Facts

  • Most of Nova Scotia's population lives or works in coastal communities
  • The report includes a detailed examination in a technical report and six fact sheets
  • Copies of the summary document, fact sheets, and technical report are available at the Coastal Management website
  • Seventy per cent of Nova Scotia's population lives in coastal communities along 13,300 kilometres of coastline.
  • There are 46 primary watersheds in Nova Scotia that all discharge into the ocean
  • Forty-five per cent of the province has comprehensive municipal plans and/or land-use bylaws in place
  • Eighty-six per cent of Nova Scotia's coastline privately owned

Learn More

Media Contact

Tim Conrad
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
902-424-8258
E-mail:

Images

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau talks about the importance of Nova Scotia's coastal regions.
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Justin Huston, chair of the Provincial Oceans Network, the group of 15 departments and agencies that oversaw the development of the report, talks during its release Dec. 9.
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The State of Nova Scotia's Coast Report, was released to the public Wednesday, Dec. 9.
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An aerial view of dike land in the Annapolis Valley area, near the Bay of Funday.
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An eroding shoreline at Five Islands, Colchester Co.
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Videos

Video from event
Clips from event

Audio

Jennifer Graham, Coastal Coordinator at the Ecology Action Centre and representative with Coastal Coalition of Nova Scotia, talks about the role of the Provincial Oceans Network (PON) in collaborating on the report
Justin Huston, chair of the Provincial Oceans Network, explains how the definition of the coast changes depending on the issue
Keith Hunter, Warden of the Municipality of Cumberland, explains how the report gives municipalities a tool for changing bylaws
Minister of Fisheries & Aquaculture,Sterling Belliveau, talks about what Nova Scotia's coast can mean to different people