Registration Number: 1830

Seal Cove Soft Shell Clam Farm

Proponent:  Mills Aquaculture Newfoundland Ltd.

Summary of Environmental Assessment Process

Project Description:

The proponent proposes to develop and operate a soft shell clam (Mya arenaria) aquaculture farm at Seal Cove, West of Stephenville Crossing.  The total area is 378 hectares consisting of sand flats, mud flats, loose gravel and small rocks, ranging in size from fine to medium sand grains to poorly sorted boulder gravel.  The area also contains isolated eel grass beds.  The aquaculture plan calls for subdividing the area into equally sized subareas to compare enhancement techniques: unfished controlled, natural seeding, seeding with juvenile clams, seeding with spat, and seeding plus protection from predators.  All bi-valves will be harvested with the principal focus on soft shell clams. Juvenile clams would be returned to prescribed re-seeding plots onsite. If present, predatory species such as starfish and invasive species such as green crab will be recorded and destroyed. All waste material will be collected and brought to the approved Provincial landfill site at St. George’s for disposal. Harvesting will normally begin in April and continue into November. The planned operations are scheduled to commence in April 2016.

  • January 21, 2015 – The undertaking was registered.
  • February 25, 2016 – Deadline for public comments.
  • March 6, 2016 – The Minister’s Decision is due.
  • March 14, 2016 – The Minister’s Decision is due.
  • April 29, 2016 – Environmental Assessment Committee appointed.
  • June 24, 2016 – Draft EIS Guidelines for Public Review.
  • August 30, 2016 – EIS Guidelines Approved.
  • March 24, 2019 – The Term of the Minister’s Decision is expired.

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