Nova Scotia to lift licensing moratorium for buyers and processors in seafood sector

Nova Scotia is making significant changes to its seafood industry by lifting two long-standing moratoriums on new buyer and processor licenses. This decision, announced by Fisheries Minister Kent Smith, aims to boost the multibillion-dollar sector and drive the province’s economy forward.

Effective August 1st, the province will end the moratorium on groundfish that has been in place since 1994, as well as the more recent moratorium from 2018 on licenses for all other seafood. This move comes at a crucial time as processors seek to diversify their markets, especially with the challenges posed by the Chinese government’s tariffs on Canadian seafood products.

Minister Smith emphasized that the decision to lift the moratoriums has received support from industry members and the Mi’kmaw First Nations. He highlighted the importance of aligning with provincial priorities to grow Nova Scotia’s resource economies and explore new opportunities amidst global uncertainties.

The province will begin accepting applications for buyer and processor licenses for most species on August 1st, with applications for lobster and snow crab licenses opening on January 2, 2026. Currently, Nova Scotia has 329 buyer and processor license holders for all seafood species.

It’s important to note that while the moratoriums are being lifted, strict conditions will still apply to all license holders, and thorough business plans will be required during the application process. All applicants must also be registered to do business in Nova Scotia through the province’s registry of joint stock companies.

The decision to lift the moratoriums follows a seven-year policy and regulation review by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Minister Smith acknowledged the complexity of the process, stating that “hard things are hard” and that the government wanted to ensure they got it right.

The Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance, representing 135 shore-based processors and shippers, welcomed the government’s announcement. Executive director Kris Vascotto expressed cautious optimism, noting that there are still details to be sorted out. The industry’s ability to accommodate new players will depend on its capacity to expand markets beyond China, which previously accounted for approximately $600 million in Nova Scotia seafood exports.

Fish and seafood products were Nova Scotia’s top export commodity in 2024, totaling $2.4 billion and comprising 36% of exports. The industry, concentrated in the southwestern part of the province, supports around 20,000 jobs. With the lifting of the moratoriums, Nova Scotia’s seafood sector is poised for growth and diversification, aiming to secure its position in global markets and drive economic prosperity.