Protecting Our Coastline

Earlier this week, we moved to ensure clear provincewide rules for what can and cannot be done on Nova Scotia’s vulnerable coastlines.

Earlier this week, my colleague, Environment Minister Margaret Miller introduced the new Coastal Protection Act. We know that climate change is affecting our oceans and we must adapt to ensure our coastlines are protected.

Salt marshes, dunes, and other features of our coastline filter water, shelter birds and sea life, and allow the coast to naturally adapt to the impact of climate change. This new act allows the Province to protect the natural ecosystems that help defend our coasts.

The act comes after significant consultation including an online survey, 16 in-person sessions with stakeholders, and direct outreach with First Nations as well as fisheries and aquaculture groups, among others.

“This legislation is a crucial step toward protecting our coastal ecosystems by preventing future inappropriate coastal development. Protecting our coastline will allow it to adapt and be resilient,” said Nancy Anningson, coastal adaptation senior co-ordinator with the Ecology Action Centre.

The consultation report is available here.