What is DFOs role in aquaculture management?
DFOs aquaculture-related activities include: • Developing and testing methods for predicting and measuring the effects of aquaculture operations on the ocean floor; • Reviewing licence applications for new finfish or shellfish farms as well as those up for renewal to identify and mitigate environmental interactions such as the potential effects on marine habitat and wild fish stocks; • Conduct screenings under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act to determine all potential impacts of fish farm operations; • Studying the interactions and impacts of escaped fish; • Working with industry to develop new fish health protocols and tools, including more sensitive tests and vaccines; • Enforce the Fisheries Act and other legislation where applicable; and, • Conduct research into new species diversification for their commercial potential.
