Economic Concerns
Risk to other segments of the local economy
Jobs?
The proposed oyster farm would be the first effectively industrial scale use of the northern portion of the harbour but is not the first economic use. Commercial fishermen, wild oyster harvesters, property owners who periodically rent, property developers, real estate and residential construction goods and services, and town and country providers of tourist accommodations and services are all economic users. Fishing, and indeed hunting of ducks in particular, are not just recreational sport for the well heeled, but provide needed food to some families. With challenging boating conditions, potentially lower property values, reduced view scape, and unknown environmental effects on fish stocks and bird life it is not clear what the economic impacts will be on other economic users of the harbour or how this may compare to any economic value the proposed oyster farm may create for tourist and business services in Antigonish.
Town Point Consulting inc. says it will create 8 to 10 jobs. Assuming this venture mirrors other aquaculture businesses in the province, this will mean 2 full time positions, and a mix of seasonal and part time jobs, mainly in the summer when other industries are also looking for employees.
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Risk of technology and/or business failure
Sale to Multi-National
Town Point Consulting Inc touts the use of new technology and new processes, which by definition, have not been proved. Aside from the environmental risks that the gear will not stand up to the weather, tides and currents of Antigonish Harbour, there is real risk that they will simply not work for growing oysters. .
There is also the risk that Town Point Consulting Inc’s business plan, like any business plan, could fail for hundreds of reasons. In this scenario, TPCI will likely sell their venture and seek assignment of the leases to new operators.
Although new owners would need the consent of the NS Dept of Fisheries and Aquaculture to transfer the leases, the NSDOFA has a track record of almost always approving such transfers. The vast majority of such transfers are to large industrial companies who employ their own farming techniques and equipment.
Photo credit next two photos: Bernice McDonald
