A first for North-American aquaculture is happening in Argyle, Yarmouth County.

The province and municipality have created the Argyle Aquaculture Development Area.

It’s a series of pre-approved sites in Lobster Bay and Pubnico Harbour for growing shellfish and marine plants.

Warden Danny Muise says municipal and provincial staff have been working on this for years.

“They’ve done all the testing out on the water. It took a lot of time, effort and persistence, they knew this wouldn’t happen overnight,” said Muise.

Argyle Warden Danny Muise speaks at an aquaculture announcement on April 15, 2024 at the Argyle municipal building in Tusket (Acadia News)

Fifty-three sites have been identified, applications for the first 6 sites are now open.

The province’s fisheries and aquaculture minister Kent Smith says this will have a big economic impact.

“Aquaculture is already a $158 million industry. Marine plant and shellfish will only grow, and to get these 6 sites online quickly, it will add a significant number to the economy,” said Smith.

He says they’ve taken the hard work out by pre-approving the sites.

The work already done is expected to save two-to-three years for companies.

Click here for a map of approved sites.

Colton D’Eon of D’Eon Lobster Company speaks at an aquaculture announcement on April 15, 2024 in Argyle (Acadia News)