The Aquaculture Industry Association says it has lobbied government for years to take action to address an abandoned mussel farm in Placentia Bay that has become a safety and environmental hazard.

Concerns have been raised for some time about the farm near Mount Arlington Heights-Long Harbour.

Critics say equipment and floats remain in the area—both in the water and on the shoreline—causing environmental and navigational hazards.

NAIA Executive Director Mark Lane says the abandoned farm is not related to, nor was it a member of the Aquaculture Association.

He says they’ve been lobbying government on the issue for at least three years, but with no success. In a letter sent to officials in October of 2016, he indicated that they had received several complaints about sunken mussel farm gear in St. Croix Bay.

Lane says they have discussed their concerns with the original owner of the farm, but to no avail.