Ecojustice, which has been fighting to protect wild Atlantic salmon from what they see as the threats created by open pen aquaculture, are applauding a recent Supreme Court ruling on the proposed Indian Head Hatchery Expansion Project.

Ecojustice went to court in November on behalf of the Salmonid Association of Eastern Newfoundland, the Freshwater – Alexander Bays Ecosystem Corporation, the Port au Port Bay Fishery Committee and various individuals.

It was seeking to close what they see as a regulatory loophole for fish farms in the province.

It says the ruling confirmed that aquaculture projects can’t proceed without a “robust and comprehensive environmental assessment.”

Northern Harvest Smolt is proposing to expand its hatchery in Stephenville. Ecojustice says included in that will be the addition of 2.2 million salmon smolt in open-net pens off the province’s south coast.

President of the Freshwater – Alexander Bays Ecosystem Corporation, John Baird says they will be watching closely to ensure that the environmental assessment project is rigorous.