Fishery Notice

Shellfish Aquaculture licence holders are strongly reminded to ensure they are 
complying with the conditions of their aquaculture licence and the fish and 
fish habitat protection provisions of the Fisheries Act. Abandoned, lost or 
discarded shellfish aquaculture gear is a major contributor to plastic marine 
debris.    

Aquaculture operators are reminded that they must:
Understand and abide by the conditions of licence;
Ensure all gear is properly secured so that it doesn't wash away, including 
when stored on rafts;
Ensure all gear is in good working condition and is functioning as intended;
Ensure all gear and equipment is not within eelgrass beds and other important 
fish habitat;
Ensure all styrofoam, if used, is contained in a highly durable, non-toxic 
shell. Note: Tyvek style wrapping and urethane coating are no longer accepted 
as being adequate flotation containment;
Regularly inspect facilities, tenures and surrounding beaches for lost gear;
Recover any pieces of gear that has been lost from your operation;
Employ divers and/or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to inspect and recover 
gear from the benthic (bottom) in and around deep water/suspended tenures. 

If you are aware of illegal aquaculture and fisheries activities, please call 
the DFO Observe, Record and Report ORR) phone line at 1-800-465-4336.


FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Aquaculture Management Division:
Christopher Marrie - Senior Shellfish Biologist, 250-850-9475 

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN1157
Sent November 13, 2019 at 0930

Return to Main Menu

Visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Printed from the Pacific Region web site on February 17, 2026 at 0958