Since the Progressive Conservative government came to power in 2021, Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Steve Craig has not issued options to lease open-net pen sites — effectively closing the door to entrants.

He said there are companies that are interested and "I've told them all that, no, I'm not allowing any of that … at this point until we get through the coastal classification system."

The ban does not apply to companies seeking options to lease sites for shellfish and seaweed harvesting.