Share and view ideas: Discussion framework for a BC aquaculture open-net pen transition plan

In collaboration with partners, including the Province of British Columbia and Indigenous communities, we're developing a responsible plan to transition from open-net pen salmon aquaculture in coastal B.C. waters. The proposed vision of this open-net pen transition plan is to advance innovation and growth of sustainable aquaculture in British Columbia that progressively minimizes or eliminates interactions between open-net pens and wild salmon, while also taking into account social, cultural and economic objectives.

Public consultation on the open-net pen transition plan provides an opportunity for British Columbians, including First Nations and the aquaculture industry, to provide their views on the future of aquaculture in British Columbia. A discussion framework has been developed to support these conversations. The input gathered through this process will be used to inform the development of the transition plan.

The public online survey is part of a broader, phased engagement and consultation process which is being undertaken in a phased approach. The Province of B.C., First Nations, local governments, industry, environmental groups, and other parties are included in the broader process.

New options, issues and concerns raised in each phase will be assessed and incorporated into updated materials to be shared with First Nations and stakeholders in subsequent phases. This phased engagement and consultation will invite perspectives to be meaningfully considered in collaborative development of a final transition plan. Once a transition plan is finalized, we will further engage with First Nations and stakeholders on the next phases of plan implementation.

Who was the focus of this consultation

We engaged with:

• First Nations
• Industry
• Local governments
• Stakeholders, including academics and environmental organizations
• British Columbians

Key questions for discussion

The public was invited to provide input on the 4 objectives proposed for an open-net pen transition plan:

1. Transition from open-net pen salmon aquaculture: For the existing marine-based salmon aquaculture industry, create a regulatory climate which will incent adoption of alternative production technology and tools with the goal of progressively minimizing or eliminating interactions between cultured and wild salmon
2. Trust and transparency: Improve trust and transparency in processes which assess and respond to new scientific information, demonstrating clear and quantifiable improvement in sustainable performance, ensuring Canadians have confidence in management of aquaculture
3. Reconciliation and Indigenous partnerships: Support enhanced First Nations’ engagement in the management of aquaculture, including through collaborative planning and decision-making
4. Growth in B.C. sustainable aquaculture innovation: A whole-of-government approach to attract investment and advance innovation and development of new alternative production technology systems, including closed containment, to make B.C. a global leader in innovative aquaculture, which minimizes environmental impact

What we heard

What we heard - Pacific aquaculture transition phases 1 and 2

Survey results

In order to allow for the greatest transparency and to ensure that the authors' meaning have not been altered, survey results are presented un-edited and in the language that they were received. Some comments feature language which may not be appropriate for all audiences.

• Survey results - August 11 to September 6, 2022 [CSV 356 KB]
• Survey results - September 28 to October 27, 2022 [CSV 2.5 MB]

Related links

• State of Salmon Aquaculture Technologies, 2019
• Open-net pen transition plan: initial engagement process "As was heard" report
• A summary of the Indigenous and Multi-stakeholder Advisory Body (IMAB) on aquaculture engagement process
• The Future of Salmon Aquaculture in British Columbia - Toward an Open-Net Pen Transition Plan: A Framework for Discussion, 2022

Contact us

By email: DFO.PACAquacultureEngagement-EngagementdelaquaculturePAC.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca