Bringing a new phase of offshore exploration to Nova Scotia

Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project

Shell will be the first company to drill an exploration well in the Nova Scotia offshore in over a decade and could bring a new wave of economic benefits to the region. The project will take place in the deep waters off the Scotian Slope, 250 km offshore Nova Scotia.

Before any drilling takes place, however, the project must meet federal and provincial regulatory requirements. We’re providing environmental and regulatory support to help Shell move the project forward. This project is the first offshore drilling program to be assessed under new Canadian federal legislation (Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012).

Working closely with Shell, we prepared an environmental impact statement (EIS) to evaluate potential effects to fish and fish habitat, marine mammals and sea turtles, birds, and commercial and Aboriginal fishing. Our study builds on the strategic environmental assessment work we previously completed for this area.