What Makes a Good Aquaculture Site?

The following factors are considered desirable conditions for a salmon aquaculture site. Companies consider these factors (and others) in researching a site; however, siting decisions are ultimately made by government regulatory agencies, in conformance with all applicable laws and regulations.

A suitable site for aquaculture will generally have:

• relatively uniform year-round temperatures and dissolved oxygen levels
• good oxygen exchange/flushing (e.g. not in an enclosed bay)
• no history of plankton blooms
• no nearby pollution sources
• adequate current speed for waste dispersion
• no extreme wave or current conditions
• low probability of severe storms or winter icing
• sufficient depth to allow clearance or at least 10m under cage structures
• no nearby seal/sea lion haulouts or populations of salmon predators
• minimal impact on sensitive marine habitat (e.g. shellfish beds, kelp beds, reefs, etc.)

This list is provided for general information only and is not intended to be exhaustive or to reflect all factors considered by a company or by government in selecting or approving a site for aquaculture use.

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Updated:  December 16, 2003