Salmon Farm Foes All Lose Council Races In Belfast

Farmed salmon was not on the ballot but nevertheless seemed to win big in Belfast on Tuesday, after the three City Council candidates who fought the proposed fish farm each lost bids for municipal office.

The hard-fought race was widely seen as a referendum on Nordic Aquafarm’s proposed land-based salmon farm, a development plan that has bitterly divided the midcoast city of 6,700 and its environs. Incumbent councilors Mary Mortier and Neal Harkness won their races, along with political newcomer Paul Dean.

“I’m happy to have the honor of serving again,” said Harkness, who edged opponent Joanne Moesswilde by 1,818 to 1,637. “Joanne ran a really gracious campaign — and obviously, a lot of people listened to what she had to say, and I have to take that seriously. It shows people have a lot of concerns about the fish farm. I want to talk with Joanne so she can help me learn what some of those concerns are.”

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