Fisheries and Oceans Canada is proposing a host of changes to aquaculture licences that will affect shellfish farmers in BC.
A document sent out to the industry, stakeholders and regulatory partners outlines the changes which would kick in next spring, when licences are renewed.
The changes include more requirements for traceability of harvested products, requirements that stock must not show signs of disease before being transferred, and requirements for more frequent inspections.
They will also require farms to be sited away from salmon-nearing streams, and will restrict the use of PVC plastic tubes to prevent plastic waste in the ocean. The tubes are commonly used in oyster farming.
DFO will review feedback on the proposed changes this fall, with an aim to implement them by May 2025.
To review the full proposal, along with DFO’s timeline, click here.
