Overcoming Divisive Strategic Environmental Assessments for Offshore Oil and Gas in Nova Scotia, Canada

In Nova Scotia, strategic environmental assessments (SEAs) are used to scope the potential impacts of offshore oil and gas activities in the early stages of regulatory decision-making. This study examined stakeholder perceptions and involvement in SEAs for offshore oil and gas decisions on areas being opened by the provincial government for development. Stakeholder comments from 12 SEAs (2003–2019) were evaluated, and 25 interviews with strategic actors involved in the assessments were undertaken and coded. The results reveal actors in Nova Scotia are divided over the effectiveness of a sector-specific SEA: while federal–provincial governments and the regulator were satisfied with SEA function, non-governmental stakeholders questioned the credibility of the regulator as well as the intent and utility of SEAs. Policy recommendations are outlined to remedy gaps in SEA processes, notably implementing integrated management via marine spatial planning in the region.