Aquaculture licences
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is responsible for issuing B.C. aquaculture licences for marine finfish, shellfish and freshwater/land-based operations. The Province of B.C. is responsible for authorizing the use of all Crown Land, including tenures for the purpose of aquaculture or culture of aquatic plants. BC also licences wild harvest of aquatic plants.
DFO also issues aquaculture licences for all salmon hatcheries in B.C. including those that are federally or provincially operated as well as non-commercial production facilities operated by First Nations and community groups.
B.C. aquaculture facilities must operate in compliance with key environmental and health legislation such as the Health of Animals Act, Food and Drugs Act, and Species at Risk Act.
B.C. aquaculture licences define the responsibilities of operators and assure processors and consumers that they are buying seafood from a licensed facility.
Under the authority of the Fisheries Act, the Minister may issue aquaculture licences for a period of up to 9 years. The length of licence varies depending on the location and type of culture. Licences are issued for the operation of a specific aquaculture site and licence holders must apply for reissuance prior to expiry of the licence. Companies and organizations with multiple sites must obtain a licence for each site. The process to acquire an aquaculture licence and tenure (if required) can take 1 year or more. Additional licences are required for specific activities such as imports and movements of fish or shellfish.
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