Regulations and compliance
If you are concerned that an aquaculture operation in B.C. may warrant investigation by DFO, please visit our Observe, Record, Report page.
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Aquaculture compliance and monitoring activities in British Columbia
We conduct regular audit, monitoring and surveillance activities of marine finfish, shellfish and freshwater/land-based aquaculture operations in B.C.
Our veterinarians, biologists, fish health technicians and resource managers conduct approximately 400 compliance and monitoring site visits each year, including an average of 120 fish health and 30 sea lice audits. In addition, our Conservation and Protection fishery officers dedicate time each year to aquaculture monitoring, enforcement and investigation activities, including land, sea and air patrols.
During monitoring and compliance visits, we may:
- assess compliance with farm operators' licence conditions
- conduct fish health and sea lice audits
- ensure that products are appropriately stored and tagged, site debris is managed appropriately and only licensed species are cultured
- ensure compliance with fish health management plans and and sea lice managements plans
- ensure compliance with containment array plans, megafauna interaction plans and fish escape prevention and response plans
- assess tthe effects on the surrounding environment, by conducting benthic (seabed) surveys at marine finfish , and deepwater shellfish sites, and performing site assessments at Freshwater/Land-based and intertidal shellfish sites
- survey watersheds to search for the presence of escaped farm salmon
- respond to reported concerns of violations
A complete overview of the marine finfish aquaculture industry's performance in meeting requirements under the Pacific Aquaculture Regulations and the Aquaculture Activities Regulations is available in the annual report Regulating and Monitoring British Columbia's Marine Finfish Aquaculture Facilities.
Regulations
Aquaculture activities in British Columbia are managed under the Pacific Aquaculture Regulations and applicable provisions of the Fishery (General) Regulations (FGR) and other federal fishery regulations. Prior to December 2010, these activities were primarily managed by the Province of British Columbia. The regulations provide a legal framework consistent with DFO's mandate to manage fisheries and protect wild fish and fish habitat.
Reports
- Regulating and monitoring British Columbia's shellfish aquaculture facilities report
- Regulating and monitoring British Columbia's marine finfish aquaculture facilities report
Aquaculture management plans
Integrated Management of Aquaculture Plans
Integrated Management of Aquaculture Plans (IMAP) identify the main objectives and requirements for the management of the various aquaculture sectors (freshwater/land-based, marine finfish and shellfish) in British Columbia, as well as the measures used to meet these objectives.
These documents provide federal and provincial agencies, local government, industry, First Nations, stakeholders and the public with an overview of aquaculture operations in British Columbia and how we manage the industry.
IMAPs are reviewed periodically to incorporate changes in the management approach and to ensure they include the most current information available in relation to science, policy and management practices.
- Freshwater/land-based integrated management of aquaculture plan - 2016
- marine finfish integrated management of aquaculture plan - 2016
- Shellfish integrated management of aquaculture plan - 2017
Integrated geoduck management framework
The Integrated Geoduck Management Framework - 2017 provides a management framework for sustainable wild and aquaculture geoduck fisheries in British Columbia, while minimizing potential overlap between the 2 sectors.
Related links
- Conditions of licence
- Review of the fish health audit and surveillance program: Executive summary
- Environmental management reports for aquaculture in British Columbia
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