Fishery Notice

Abandoned, lost or discarded shellfish aquaculture gear is a major contributor 
to plastic marine debris.     

Sea lions are increasingly known to haul out onto shellfish rafts and work 
floats, resulting in the loss of aquaculture gear to the environment. Some 
oceanside communities are very upset with the amount of shellfish aquaculture 
gear washing up on shore. 

Licence holders must take approved mitigation measures if sea lions are hauling 
out onto rafts and causing the introduction of gear to the environment. If you 
are losing gear due to sea lions, consider moving all stored gear to a more 
secure location, such as an appropriate land based facility. 

To keep sea lions off your rafts, electric fencing is an approved mitigation 
measure for aquaculture, as it is a deterrent without causing physical harm. 
The salmon farming industry and several Baynes Sound growers have had good 
success with this method. 

Licence holders are reminded that above and below-water acoustical deterrents, 
such as bear bangers, are prohibited and are also largely unsuccessful in 
changing sea lion behaviour. The use of these or any other method that may 
cause harm to marine mammals is a violation under the Fisheries Act.

For more information on how to safely install electric fencing, please contact 
an experienced electrical contractor. All batteries must be contained and well 
secured to prevent acids spilling into the ocean. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Aquaculture Management Division:
Christopher Marrie - Senior Shellfish Biologist, 250-850-9475 or 
shellfish.aquaculture@dfo-mpo.gc.ca. 

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0102
Sent February 10, 2020 at 1445

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Visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Printed from the Pacific Region web site on May 16, 2024 at 1957