The Nova Scotia Aquaculture Review Board has announced a delay in the hearing regarding the proposed expansion of fish farms in Liverpool Bay. The hearing, previously scheduled to begin March 4,has been postponed until further notice, as stated on the board’s website.

No specific reason has been provided for the postponement. Additionally, the board has made changes in its leadership, with Tim Cranston taking over as the new chairman, replacing Jean McKenna.

The proposed expansion, spearheaded by Kelly Cove Salmon, a subsidiary of Cooke Aquaculture, aims to enlarge its operations near Coffin Island and establish two new sites off Brooklyn and Mersey Point. If approved, the expansion would see an increase in the number of pens from 14 to 60, significantly scaling up salmon farming in the bay. This expansion could potentially accommodate around 1.8 million salmon, a substantial rise from the current estimated 400,000.

Stay tuned for further updates regarding the rescheduling of the hearing, which will be announced on the board’s website once finalized.

Editors note: An earlier version of this story indicated salmon would also be introduced added near Coffin Island which is not the case.