N.S. accepting new seafood buyer and processor licences after 2018 halt

Nova Scotia is lifting a moratorium on seafood buyer and processor licences that’s been in place since 2018.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister, Kent Smith, says applications will be accepted starting Aug. 1, marking the end of a seven-year policy and regulation review.

“Now, more than ever, we have the opportunity to reimagine the economic potential of our traditional and natural resources,” Smith said in a release. “Accepting applications from new entrants, or established businesses that want to diversify or expand their products, will help drive the economy and grow our seafood sector.”

The moratorium was introduced to reduce speculation and maintain fair competition during the review. The province is also ending a much longer-standing freeze on groundfish buying and processing licences, first put in place after the collapse of groundfish stocks in 1994.

The changes will roll out in two phases. Most applications open Aug. 1, while those for lobster and snow crab licences will be accepted beginning Jan. 2, 2026, following further consultation with industry stakeholders.

Seafood is Nova Scotia’s top export, generating $2.4 billion in 2024 and supporting about 20,000 jobs. Roughly half of the industry is based in the southwest region.

Industry leaders are welcoming the decision.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates that the government has been listening to industry,” said Kris Vascotto, executive director of the Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance. “Lifting the moratorium and ensuring new entrants are qualified will support continued diversification of the shore sector.”

Kerry Cunningham with Sea Star Seafoods called the moratorium “an artificial barrier to maximizing the value” of the sector. “I fully support the minister’s intention to lift the licensing moratorium,” she said.

Ian McIsaac, president of the Seafood Producers Association of Nova Scotia, also praised the move.

“We strongly believe in a free market approach to fish buyer and fish processor licensing that is responsive to market conditions while also encouraging growth and innovation,” he said.

According to the province, there are 329 companies with active buyer and/or processor licences, 4,000 registered fishing vessels, and more than 5,700 commercial licence holders in Nova Scotia. Federal quotas regulate how much seafood is harvested, a system unaffected by the licensing changes.