Would DFO consider exotic fish pathogens originating at fish aquaculture sites to be deleterious substances?
(a): If fish farms magnify endemic fish diseases/pathogens to levels well above natural background levels, would DFO consider that the farms are depositing deleterious substances into the ocean or otherwise creating a “harmful alteration, disruption or destruction” of fish habitat? If not, why not? Question 5 (original petition): Why has DFO failed to establish a routine program to monitor disease outbreaks on fish farms? If DFO has devolved this important responsibility to the provinces, why has it done so, and what steps (if any) is it taking to ensure that the provinces effectively fulfill this delegated responsibility? DFO’s response begins by describing disease monitoring in relation to the transfer of fish or eggs between provinces—that topic is irrelevant to the question posed in the petition. DFO also states that “provinces that have developed aquatic veterinary capacity have assumed responsibility for fish farm health monitoring…”. While BC may have developed aquatic veterinar
