Applying for an aquaculture licence

A valid B.C. aquaculture licence is required to operate any type of aquaculture facility in British Columbia.

Application process

While we issue licences for aquaculture operations in B.C., the provincial government and other federal departments also play a role in the licensing process.

DFO, Transport Canada and the Province of B.C. share a single harmonized aquaculture application. For more information about the application process for Pacific shellfish, marine finfish and freshwater/land-based aquaculture licences, applications and instructions, and to find the required forms for new sites, or amendments to existing sites, please visit the Province of B.C. website or call 1-877-855-3222.

Species

You can apply to grow species that are considered low risk for introduction and transfer in B.C. You can find a list of low risk species as determined by the Introductions and Transfer Committee (ITC) here. Note that some species acceptable for introductions and transfers may not be approved for aquaculture.

There are no limits to the number of licences for a given species.

Siting guidelines

The Siting Guidelines for Marine Finfish Aquaculture in B.C. set out the siting considerations that are reviewed during the application process for new facilities. Our goal is to locate aquaculture facilities in areas that are environmentally suitable to support farmed and wild fish health, while promoting an economically prosperous and socially sustainable industry. These guidelines also provide First Nations, industry, stakeholders and the public with more information and increased transparency regarding our review process.

Tenures

The Province of B.C. authorizes the use of Crown Land. More information is available at FrontCounterBC and the Province of B.C.’s Land Use website

Aquaculture application review process

We assess the following criteria in its review of all new aquaculture licence applications or amendments to existing licences.

History of the operation (for amendments)

This includes past and current licensing information, such as production, species and containment array structures.

Environmental factors

We consider the proximity of sites to areas of environmental concern, including glass sponge reefs, eel grass and kelp beds, wild fish spawning areas, conservation areas and habitat critical to species at risk. Conditions such as ocean currents, water depth and seabed characteristics (e.g., sediments, gravel, rock) are examined to minimize potential environmental impacts.

Introductions and transfers

The Introductions and Transfers Committee (ITC) reviews the species requested on an aquaculture application. If a species has been previously approved for culture, the ITC identifies general and species-specific requirements to ensure that ecological, fish health and genetic impacts from the introduction and transfer of fish and shellfish, both into and between facilities, would not adversely affect local aquatic species and habitats.

Resource management

Applications are reviewed for any potential overlaps with existing First Nations, commercial or recreational fisheries. Applications may be denied if it is determined that the operation would pose significant negative impact to existing fisheries.

Consultations

We have a legal duty to consult First Nations on any licensing decision that might adversely affect established or claimed Aboriginal title or other Indigenous rights within claimed traditional territory. Unless the application is for an administrative change or a minor change that does not alter operations or impacts, we send information packages to the relevant First Nation and consider any comments or concerns submitted in response.

We may also consult with other federal departments, including Transport Canada, Environment Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and with the Province of B.C. All comments received from environmental non-government organizations, recreational boating or fishing organizations, and other groups are also considered.

History of the operation (for amendments): This includes past and current licensing information, such as production, species and containment array structures.

Regulatory considerations

We ensure that application decisions align with federal policies associated with aquaculture activities.

User fees

Aquaculture licence fees consist of:

An administrative fee applied to partially recover processing and licence issuance costs. The flat fee is charged when a licence is issued for a new facility, when licences are reissued and when ownership changes.
An access-to-resource fee for finfish and shellfish licences that grants exclusive use of, and access to, the water column and surface area where the facility is located. Access-to-resource fees must be paid annually.

Since most freshwater and land-based operations do not access federally-regulated marine resources (freshwater lakes and rivers are considered a provincial resource), these operations are only charged the administrative fee. Research and enhancement facilities are exempt from both fees.

Policy on Remission: Learn about the service standards, exceptions, remission calculations and payment timing.

Fees

Aquaculture user fees		2025	2024
Access to resource fees	Shellfish (per hectare of the licensed area)	$6.00	$5.90
	Marine finfish (per tonne of the maximum licensed biomass)	$3.00	$2.95
	Freshwater/land-based	N/A	N/A
Administrative fee		$120.00	$118.00

Contact us

Email: DFO.AQLicensing-AQPermis.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Date modified:: 2024-08-09

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