Results of DFO benthic audits of British Columbia marine finfish aquaculture sites
Fisheries and Oceans Canada requires operators of active marine finfish aquaculture sites in British Columbia to monitor for benthic (seabed) impacts. The benthic monitoring program is designed to limit the location, area, and intensity of impact created by fish farms to the seabed and to support sustainable aquaculture by maintaining healthy ecosystems.
In addition to the monitoring and reporting required of licence holders, DFO staff biologists conduct field audits to collect and assess sediment samples and take video of the seafloor. This information is used to determine compliance and learn more about benthic impacts during different times of the production cycle. Further review and action may be required for sites with poor environmental performance or issues with non-compliance.
For the results of benthic monitoring activities conducted by the industry, see Results of industry benthic monitoring of BC marine finfish aquaculture sites.
Related links:
- Publisher - Current Organization Name: Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- Publisher - Organization Section Name: Aquaculture, Communications
- Licence: Open Government Licence - Canada
Data and Resources
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Data - DFO benthic monitoring, 2011 and ongoing - EnglishCSVEnglish dataset CSV
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Data - DFO benthic monitoring, 2011 and ongoing - FrenchCSVFrench dataset CSV
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Terminology - DFO benthic monitoring, 2011 and ongoing - EnglishCSVEnglish specification CSV
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Terminology - DFO benthic monitoring, 2011 and ongoing - FrenchCSVFrench specification CSV
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Create a Google Map using latitude and longitude dataTXTEnglish specification TXT
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Create a Google Map using latitude and longitude dataTXTFrench specification TXT
Contact Information
Electronic Mail Address: DFO.PAC.AquacultureData-Donneesdaquaculture.PAC.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca