Nova Scotian authorities extend oil drilling ban in Georges Bank fishing area
The Government of Nova Scotia has decided to extend a moratorium on fossil fuel drilling in the Georges Bank fisheries area on the Canadian province’s coast, according to CBC.
With the current ban on oil and gas exploration there set to expire on 31 December this year the authorities opted to extend it until 31 December, 2022.
Georges Bank is a large elevated area of the sea floor between Cape Cod in Massachusetts and Cape Sable Island in Nova Scotia. It separates the Gulf of Maine from the Atlantic Ocean.
Politicians explained that they were reflecting the clear preference of the electorate in continuing to protect the fish-rich waters.
Two of the oil industry’s supermajors, BP and Chevron, have drilling and exploration rights in the region, but will remain unable to use those leases until at least 2023.
