How do fish escape from the net pen?
The most common causes of escape incidents are: • infrastructure failure (e.g. a result of extreme weather damage) • boat operations (e.g. collisions and propeller damage) • predation (e.g. seals, sea lions) • vandalism • fish handling errors • technical deficiencies (inadequate or damaged parts in cage systems) It is mandatory to report escape incidents in British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador. In fact, BC’s Ministry of Agriculture and Lands has maintained a database of all reported escape events in Pacific waters since 1987.It is not mandatory for fish farm operators in New Brunswick or Nova Scotia to disclose to provincial authorities if an escape has occurred. However, many operators voluntarily disclose this information if a breach is discovered and work with their respective provincial fisheries departments to implement recovery plans to recapture the escaped fish. Advances in cage technology and management practices have helped the salmon farming industry to reduce the
