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N-01-06-005
Aquaculture Information review – An evaluation of Known Effects and
Mitigations on Fish and Fish Habitat in Newfoundland and Labrador
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is mandated to establish a
balance between enabling sustainable growth of the Canadian aquaculture
industry and regulating such development in accordance with the Navigable
Waters Protection Act (NWPA) while minimizing environmental effects on
fish and fish habitat. Responsibility for the conservation and protection
of fish and fish habitat is in accordance with provisions of the Fisheries
Act and the Department’s Management of Fish Habitat Policy. For
aquaculture development this responsibility includes determining whether a
project is likely to result in a harmful alteration, disruption or
destruction (HADD) of fish habitat, thereby requiring a Section 35 (2)
Fisheries Act authorization. In keeping with the No Net Loss guiding
principal of the department’s policy, aquaculture developers would have to
compensate for losses in productive fish habitat. Prior to issuing an
approval under the NWPA and/or a Section 35(2) Fisheries Act
Authorization, the department is obligated to conduct an environmental
assessment of the project in accordance with the Canadian Environmental
Assessment Act (CEAA).
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the biogeography, climate, oceanography and
marine resources are such that the aquaculture industry faces biological
and physical challenges that may have different environmental implications
on marine habitat as compared to other Canadian provincial jurisdictions.
DFO, as the responsible authority for the application of CEAA to
aquaculture development, has the obligation to ensure that the
environmental-assessment process is applies with the most current and
up-to-date information. It is well recognized within industry that
knowledge gaps can skew the CEAA process, causing it to act as a supporter
or a spoiler. The Newfoundland aquaculture industry, recognizing the need
to identify environmental issues, to provide information to address the
issues, and to act responsibly, has been quick to point out the need for
new knowledge towards understanding aquaculture-environment interactions
and thereby pursue sound strategies towards achieving industry
sustainability.
In support of its mandate, both to regulate and enable aquaculture
development, DFO in conjunction with the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry
Association (NAIA), initiated an investigation of the potential
environmental concerns of Newfoundland and Labrador based aquaculture
operations. Monitoring and mitigation techniques applied to other
jurisdictions, as well as this province, are described for each effect
where applicable. Data gaps also are outlined. This report outlines nine
recommendations towards filling knowledge gaps in basic biophysical
information requirements of proposed local aquaculture sites and potential
mitigation techniques suitable to aquaculture development in Newfoundland
and Labrador coastal marine areas.
Final
Technical Project Report (PDF)
Project Start Date: December 3, 2001
Project Completion Date: March 31, 2003
For further information please contact: Regional ACRDP Coordinator:
Cynthia McKenzie (E-mail:
MckenzieC@dfo-mpo.gc.ca).
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