PACIFIC MARINE FINFISH AQUACULTURE APPLICATION GUIDE … · guide to the pacific marine finfish...

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Guide to the Pacific Marine Finfish Aquaculture Application 31 July 2014

Transcript of PACIFIC MARINE FINFISH AQUACULTURE APPLICATION GUIDE … · guide to the pacific marine finfish...

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Guide to the

Pacific Marine Finfish

Aquaculture Application

31 July 2014

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................. 2

INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 4 PREPARATION BEFORE SUBMISSION OF THE APPLICATION .............................................................................5

GLOSSARY ............................................................................................................. 6

PACIFIC MARINE FINFISH AQUACULTURE APPLICATION CHECKLIST ....................... 7

GENERAL INFORMATION ....................................................................................... 8 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS..............................................................................................................................8

PART I – GENERAL APPLICANT INFORMATION ....................................................... 9 SECTION A: APPLICANT AND GENERAL INFORMATION....................................................................................9 SECTION B: SITE AND INFRASTRUCTURE INFORMATION ...............................................................................11 SECTION C: MAPS AND DIAGRAMS ................................................................................................................20 SECTION D: WATER USE .................................................................................................................................22 SECTION E: FIRST NATIONS CONSIDERATION ................................................................................................23

PART II – INFORMATION FOR THE BC MINISTRY OF FORESTS, LANDS AND NATURAL RESOURCE OPERATIONS ...........................................................25

SECTION A: SITING CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................................................................25 SECTION B: ADDITIONAL CROWN LANDS INFORMATION ..............................................................................30

PART III – INFORMATION FOR FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA ..........................32 SECTION A: SITING CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................................................................32 SECTION B: SPECIES AND PRODUCTION .........................................................................................................32 SECTION C: DOMESTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT .............................................................................................33 SECTION D: FISH HABITAT AND PROTECTION MEASURES..............................................................................34 SECTION E: MANAGEMENT PLANS.................................................................................................................36

PART IV – INFORMATION FOR TRANSPORT CANADA ............................................41 SECTION A: SITING CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................................................................41 SECTION B: ADDITIONAL TRANSPORT CANADA INFORMATION ....................................................................41

PART V – INFORMATION FOR ALL AGENCIES ........................................................42 COMPLETE APPLICATIONS ..............................................................................................................................42 FEE SCHEDULE .................................................................................................................................................42 USE OF INFORMATION ....................................................................................................................................42 APPLICANT SIGNATURE(S)...............................................................................................................................43

APPENDIX A – METES AND BOUNDS INSTRUCTIONS AND CREATING AN AREA OF INTEREST .....................................................................................44

APPENDIX A‐1 – METES AND BOUNDS DESCRIPTION SAMPLE MAP ......................51

APPENDIX B‐1 – GENERAL LOCATION MAP ...........................................................52

APPENDIX B‐2 – DETAILED LOCATION MAP ..........................................................53

APPENDIX B‐3A – OPERATIONAL TOP VIEW..........................................................54

APPENDIX B‐3B – TOP VIEW AMENDMENT MAP ..................................................55

APPENDIX B‐4 – OPERATIONAL SIDE VIEW ...........................................................56

APPENDIX B‐5 – HABITAT MAP .............................................................................57

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APPENDIX B‐6A – STRUCTURAL AMENDMENTS DIAGRAM ....................................58

APPENDIX B‐6B – STRUCTURAL AMENDMENTS DIAGRAM ....................................59

APPENDIX C – DFO MARINE FISH HABITAT INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS (HIR) ......................................................................................60

APPENDIX C‐1 – DEPOMOD CANADA, METHODS AND SETTINGS V1.6 ..................73

APPENDIX C‐2.1 – EELGRASS BED SURVEY .........................................................101

APPENDIX C‐2.2 – ABALONE SURVEY PROTOCOL ................................................104

APPENDIX C‐2.3 – SUBTIDAL BIVALVE HABITAT SURVEY ....................................106

APPENDIX C‐2.4 – KELP BEDS .............................................................................107

APPENDIX C‐2.5 – GLASS SPONGE COMPLEXES ..................................................108

APPENDIX C‐2.6 – LINGCOD SPAWNING .............................................................109

APPENDIX C‐2.7 – OTHER CRITICAL/SENSITIVE HABITAT SURVEYS ......................112

APPENDIX C‐3 – CURRENTS METERING ..............................................................113

APPENDIX C‐4 – DEPTH PROFILE EXAMPLES .......................................................116

APPENDIX D – FISH HEALTH MANAGEMENT PLAN ..............................................118

APPENDIX D‐1 – LIST OF STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOP’S) FOR HMP ...........................................................................................128

APPENDIX E – CARCASS MANAGEMENT PLAN (FOR MARINE NON‐ SALMONIDS) ..................................................................................................131

APPENDIX F – ESCAPE PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PLAN .................................132

APPENDIX G – MAMMAL INTERACTION MANAGEMENT PLAN ............................134

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INTRODUCTION

n December 19, 2010, the federal government undertook responsibility for the management

and regulation of aquaculture in British Columbia. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is the agency responsible for regulating, monitoring and licensing all aquaculture operations in the province (with the exception of those sites culturing only marine plants). DFO's responsibility includes most aspects of the industry including but not limited to species, production practices and volumes, fish containment, fish health, sea lice levels, waste control and fish habitat and protection measures.

Transport Canada (TC) is the federal department responsible for reviewing and approving applications for the placement of aquaculture containment and/or structures within the navigable waters of Canada.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNR) is the provincial Ministry responsible for the issuance and management of Crown land tenures, including tenures for aquaculture facilities and associated ancillary foreshore or upland use. In addition, and until such time as the provincial Fisheries Act is repealed or amended, the Province will issue aquaculture (business‐type) licences, limited to the location of the aquaculture activity, in order that operators are compliant with the current legislation.

The Guide to the Pacific Marine Finfish Aquaculture Application (“the guide”) describes the information required by the federal and provincial agencies to review an application for a marine finfish aquaculture facility in British Columbia. The guide provides:

A clear explanation of the required components of an application; and

Resources, including internet links, government contacts and other information that may provide additional assistance for completing an application.

As applicable, the federal and provincial agencies will coordinate the review and assessment of applications, including government agency

referrals, First Nation consultation, and public comments. Throughout the review process, federal and provincial agencies will retain their respective authorities; however, efforts will be made to coordinate activities where possible and this may include the timing and communication of decisions.

At the completion of the review process each agency will make its independent decision under the relevant legislation.

An application must be submitted and approved for any of the following:

A new marine finfish aquaculture facility;

An amendment to an existing federal aquaculture licence or provincial Crown land tenure, such as:

• Change in production (increase, decrease or transfer);

• Change in species; • Change in infrastructure for proposed

increases to the intensive use area, or, for proposed reductions to the intensive use area if a rent review or reduction is requested;

• Change in infrastructure location (orientation or alternate footprint);

• Increase, decrease or relocation to tenure boundaries;

• Change in ownership or company name.

Premature tenure replacement;

Rebuild, repair or alteration of an existing aquaculture facility that has a Navigation Protection Act (NPA) authorization.

Please note, in addition to the harmonized application form, there may be additional provincial authorizations (e.g. water licence, Crown land tenure for utility line) required for a facility that need to be submitted on separate applications. Please contact FrontCounter BC to obtain the necessary application form(s).

For federal authorizations that have expiry dates ensure the applicable agency is contacted prior to expiry.

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PREPARATION BEFORE SUBMISSION OF THE APPLICATION

It is in the best interest of the proponent to submit a complete application as it will facilitate the processing and review of the application.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

In order to gather the necessary background information and assess the feasibility of the proposal, it is recommended the following steps be undertaken:

1. Conduct a preliminary assessment of the application area to determine if there are any interests or conflicts, overlapping or in the vicinity of the proposed area, using the Integrated Land Resource Registry (ILRR), a provincial mapping database. The ILRR is a spatially enabled, comprehensive register of legal interests, rights, designations, and administrative boundaries on Crown land. It also has information on land and resource restrictions and reservations (e.g. parks) and locations of private land. The ILRR and online guidance tools on how to use the database are accessed through the following website : http://geobc.gov.bc.ca/rrr/ilrr/

2. Review the siting considerations established by the provincial and federal governments (Parts II and III, Section A)

3. Consider information sharing with applicable First Nations. IMap will assist in the identification of the First Nations. See IMAP link: http://maps.gov.bc.ca/ess/sv/imapbc. Also, please see: “Building Relationships with First Nations: Respecting Rights and Doing Good Business”: http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/consultation/dow n/workingwithfirstnations_document.pdf

4. Ensure the area is zoned for the intended use by contacting local government (http://www.civicinfo.bc.ca/11.asp) and reviewing coastal land use plans (www.ilmb.gov.bc.ca)

5. Consult the Introductions and Transfers Committee (ITC) webpage (http://www.pac.dfo‐mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/licence‐permis/intro‐trans/index‐eng.html) and/or refer to Part III, Section B: Species and Production for a list of species that are deemed low‐risk for introduction and transfer to aquaculture facilities.

Note that species not included on the list, along with those species that are currently prohibited for import under Section 5, Schedule VIII of the Pacific Fishery Regulations (also listed in Part III, Section B: Species and Production), will require an in‐depth review and/or risk analysis by the Introductions and Transfers Committee and may not be approved for aquaculture purposes.

For further information, contact the ITC directly at FAMITC@dfo‐mpo.gc.ca.

6. Contact FrontCounter BC or the applicable agencies if there are any questions or clarification required prior to submission of an application

Specific questions related to provincial tenuring or the application process should be directed to:

FrontCounter BC [email protected] 1‐877‐855‐3222

Specific questions related to federal aquaculture licensing should be directed to the applicable email address:

Fisheries and Oceans Canada Shellfish.Aquaculture@dfo‐mpo.gc.ca Aquaculture.Licensing@dfo‐mpo.gc.ca

Specific questions related to federal navigable water requirements should be directed to:

Transport Canada pacnwp‐[email protected] 1‐604‐775‐8867

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GLOSSARY

Amendment ‐ Means a change to an existing authorization.

Application Package ‐ Means the Pacific Marine Finfish Aquaculture Application and other supporting materials required for submission of an aquaculture proposal under the Fisheries Act (Pacific Aquaculture Regulations), Navigation Protection Act and/or BC Land Act.

Chart Datum ‐ Means the level of water that charted depths displayed on a nautical chart are measured from.

Containment Structures ‐ Means net pens, bag cages, tanks or similar structures used to contain fish for the purpose of aquaculture.

COT ‐ Means Certificate of Title.

DFO ‐ Means Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Finfish ‐ Means fish of the class Osteichthyes.

Finfish Aquaculture ‐ Means the growing and cultivation of finfish for commercial purposes in any water environment or in human made containers of water.

FLNR ‐ Means the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.

Grow‐out‐ Means growing‐out a product from juvenile to market size or harvest.

Introduction ‐ Means the transport and release of live fish (seed, spat, eggs, juveniles or adults) into waters outside their present range, and includes movement of fish from a hatchery or other fish breeding or holding facility to the marine environment.

Introductions and Transfers Committee (ITC) ‐ Means the Federal‐Provincial joint committee responsible for reviewing applications for the introductions and transfers of fish and

providing recommendations on issuance of the associated licences.

Transfer ‐ Means the movement of individuals of a species or population of live fish (seed, spat, eggs, juveniles or adults) from one location to another within its present range and includes transfers to or from a hatchery or other fish breeding or holding facility.

Third Party Assessment ‐ Means an assessment undertaken by someone other than the government or the applicant.

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PACIFIC MARINE FINFISH AQUACULTURE APPLICATION CHECKLIST

For New Applications, complete all sections as outlined below:

Part I – General Applicant Information Section A: Applicant and General Information Section B: Site and Infrastructure Information Section C: Maps and Diagrams Section D: Water Use Section E: First Nations Consideration

Part II – Information for the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNR)*

Section A: Siting Considerations Section B: Additional Crown Lands Information

Part III – Information for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

Section A: Siting Considerations Section B: Species and Production Section C: Domestic Waste Management Section D: Fish Habitat and Protection

Measures • D1 Modelling • D2 Habitat Surveys and Sampling • D3 Currents Metering

Section E: Management Plans • E1 Inventory Plan • E2 Containment Array Management Plan • E3 Health Management Plan • E4 Escape Prevention and Response Plan • E5 Chemical and Other Substances

Management Plan • E6 Marine Mammal Conflict Mitigation

Management Plan Part IV – Information for Transport Canada Section A: Siting Considerations Section B: Additional Transport Canada

Information Part V – Information for All Agencies Provincial Fees Forms of Payment Signature(s) of Applicant(s)

For Tenure Boundary or Infrastructure Amendment applications, complete sections outlined below:

Applicants should contact the individual agencies for specific requirements and

guidance prior to completing and submitting the amendment application.

Part I – Tenure Boundary amendment (with or

without infrastructure changes) – All sections.

Part II – All sections.

Part III – Only report E2 is required; in some cases additional benthic ROV, sediment sampling surveys, modelling, and currents metering may be required.

Part IV – All sections

Part V – All sections

For Species Amendments (federal authorization only)*, complete sections outlined below:

Part I – Sections A and E only

Part III – Section B, Section E (reports E1 and E3 only)

Part V – All sections For Production Amendments (federal authorization only)*, complete sections outlined below: Part I – Sections A and E only

Part III – Section B, some sub‐sections of D and E may be required

Part V – All sections For Assignment/Tenure holder changes, complete sections outlined below:

Part I – All sections

Part II – All sections

Part V – All sections

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GENERAL INFORMATION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To apply for Pacific Marine Finfish Aquaculture authorizations, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

Provincial Requirements

To be eligible for a Crown land tenure under the BC Land Act, applicants must be:

Canadian citizens or permanent residents 19 years of age or older; or,

Corporations which are incorporated or registered in British Columbia; or,

Registered partnerships, cooperatives, or non‐ profit societies which are formed under the relevant provincial statutes.

Additional Requirements: First Nations First Nations applying through band corporations or Indian Band and Tribal Councils: Band or Tribal Councils require a Band Council Resolution authorizing the council to enter into the tenure arrangement, and giving the signatories of the tenure document the ability to sign on behalf of the Band. For tenures that are to be registered in the Land Title Office, First Nations must apply through either a band corporation or trustees. Band members can elect one or more trustees to hold a tenure on behalf of the Band. Verification of election must be by way of a letter signed by the Chief and counselors of the Band giving the full names of the trustees and stating that they were elected at a properly convened meeting of the Band. A Band Council Resolution is not required.

Additional Requirments: Non‐Canadians In the case of aquatic land, non‐Canadians can apply if they own the adjacent upland. Companies must still be incorporated or registered in BC.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada Requirements

To be eligible for an aquaculture licence under the Pacific Aquaculture Regulations, Fisheries Act (Canada), applicants must be:

Individual(s) or companies legally entitled to operate a business in Canada; and

At least 19 years of age. Transport Canada Requirements

To be eligible for a Navigation Protection Act (NPA) approval, applicants may be:

A federal, provincial, or municipal government; or

A person, company, organization or Crown Corporation.

In response to the Commission of Inquiry on the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser

River; the Province will not accept applications for new salmon net‐pen

aquaculture facilities, or amendments at existing farms for the purposes of production

increases in the Discovery Islands until September 30, 2020. The Province will consider amendments in the Discovery

Islands in accordance with its mandate and jurisdiction under the Land Act and

associated regulations and policies.

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PART I – GENERAL APPLICANT INFORMATION

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SECTION A: APPLICANT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Applicant Name(s) (Full Legal Name(s) or Registered Company):

Provide your full legal name or Registered Company name.

Applicant Business Information:

Telephone:

Provide your business phone number, including area code.

Cell:

Provide your business cell phone number, including area code.

Fax:

Provide your business fax phone number, including area code.

Email:

Provide your business email address.

2. Applicant Business Mailing Address:

Provide the address, including postal code, to which all correspondence regarding this application should be sent.

3. Doing Business as:

Provide the name under which you are conducting your business if it is different than the full legal applicant name(s) or registered company name.

4. BC Inc. #, BC Registration # or BC Society #:

Provide your BC Incorporation number, BC Registration number or Society number.

5. Physical Business Address (if different from above):

Provide the address of the facility if it is different from the mailing address.

6. Contact Name (if different from above):

If someone other than the applicant is to be contacted in regard to this application, enter the name of the person.

Contact Business Information:

Telephone:

Provide your contact’s business phone number, including area code.

Cell:

Provide your contact’s business cell phone number, including area code.

Fax:

Provide your contact’s business fax phone number, including area code.

Email:

Provide your contact’s business email address.

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7. Agent/Representative (if applicable):

Provide the name of the person authorized by you to act for you in the processing of your application, if applicable. This is usually a contractor or consultant but can be anyone who is authorized to act on your behalf.

Agent/Representative Business Information:

Telephone:

Provide your agent/representative’s business phone number, including area code.

Cell:

Provide your agent/representative’s business cell phone number, including area code.

Fax:

Provide your agent/representative’s business fax phone number, including area code.

Email:

Provide your agent/representative’s business email address.

8. Business Mailing Address of Agent/Representative:

Provide the mailing address of your agent/representative, including postal code.

Letter of Authorization: Yes No

If you have authorized another party to act for you in the processing of your application, you must submit your signed letter appointing the agent. Check “Yes” if you are attaching the letter of authorization, otherwise check “No”.

The letter must contain the following information:

Name, address and telephone number of agent

Purpose of appointment

Term of appointment

Your name, address and telephone number

9. Type of Application:

New Site

Check New Site if you are applying to establish a new aquaculture facility and indicate the type of tenure you are applying for: Investigative Permit, Licence of Occupation, or Lease.

An Investigative Permit is not a typical form of allocation for aquaculture. Where the circumstances warrant, a permit may be issued to allow for the investigation of project feasibility or the placement of monitoring equipment. In general, a permit holder may not conduct commercial activity under an Investigative Permit.

A Licence of Occupation is the most common form of Crown land tenure for aquaculture. It conveys non‐exclusive use for the purpose described, is not a registerable interest that can be mortgaged, and does not require a survey. A Licence of Occupation does not allow the tenure holder to curtail public access over the licenced area except where it would impact the licensees’ right to use the land as per the licence document.

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A Lease is not a typical form of allocation for aquaculture purposes and will only be offered where there is a demonstrable public benefit to do so. The use of a Lease should be avoided when the ownership of the upland parcel is not the Crown. The tenure holder has the right to modify the land and/or construct improvements as specified in the tenure contract. A legal survey will generally be required at the applicant’s expense to define the tenured area.

Amendment

Check amendment and all the amendment types for which you are applying.

Licence Holder Change/Assignment

Check Licence Holder Change, enter the current licence holder’s name and complete Parts I (including maps), II and V of the application form. If the site is on Crown land, contact the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and request an assignment package. The assignment package and Parts I, II and V of this application form are required to change the licence holder.

10. Type of Operation:

Check Net Cage if you will be using this type of enclosure, otherwise check Other and describe the operation. A net cage is an enclosure made of netting used to contain fish.

11. Government Reference Numbers:

Government reference numbers are utilized by agencies to track correspondence and store information on specific files.

If this is a new application, you may not have all or any of the reference numbers requested; these will be created by the appropriate agency through the application evaluation process. Provide any reference numbers associated with your proposal that you have already been assigned.

If this is an amendment application, please ensure all reference numbers associated with the facility are included.

SECTION B: SITE AND INFRASTRUCTURE INFORMATION

1. Site Category:

Site categories are used to designate the ‘controlling interest’ of the Land which is under application. If you are intending to use Crown land or Crown land covered by water, a Crown land authorization is required.

If the land is within a provincial park or conservancy, a Park Use Permit is the authorization required to occupy the land. Prior to completion of a harmonized application, it is recommended that you consult with the Ministry of Environment to assess feasibility of your proposal within a provincial park or conservancy. See link below:

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/pasb/applications/process/park_use.html

Check the appropriate site category box.

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2. Geographic location of site:

Provide a general description of where the site is located in the province, e.g. 5 km east of Kamloops.

For more information on geographical names, applicants may consult the B.C. Geographical Names website at:

http://geobc.gov.bc.ca/bcnames/

3. Site Common Name:

Provide a site facility name that will clearly distinguish it from other sites.

4. Pacific Fishery Management Area: Sub Area: Refer to the following website for Pacific Fishery Management Area (PFMA) and Sub Area descriptions:

http://www.pac.dfo‐mpo.gc.ca/fm‐gp/maps‐cartes/areas‐ secteurs/index‐eng.htm

5. Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) Marine Chart Number:

Provide the number of the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) chart that shows the location of the site. This information can be found at:

http://www.charts.gc.ca/index‐eng.asp

Topographical Map Number:

Information on topographical maps can be obtained through hard copy from institutions selling maps or electronically through a computer based search.

http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/maps/topo/index.html

6. Legal Description of the application area if surveyed:

Provide the legal description as provided by the local Land Title Office, e.g., Lot 1 of Section 31, Township 12 W6M Kamloops Division of Yale District Plan 18411.

A legal description is found in the Certificate of Title (COT). A copy of the COT must be attached to the application. A copy of your Registered Survey Plan, if available, will confirm the dimensions of the place of use.

7. Metes and Bounds description of the application area if unsurveyed:

If unsurveyed, use the following instructions to describe unsurveyed Crown land:

All descriptions for an unsurveyed application site must be tied to a known survey point. The first point of the description is known as the Point of Commencement (PoC). If the location of your parcel of interest is too remote and there are no surveyed upland parcels in the vicinity, then the POC can be referenced to the GPS coordinates of one of the corners of the parcel of interest.

Metes and bounds descriptions should be described in a clockwise manner with the PoC being the first position on the shoreline of the unsurveyed parcel. See Appendix A for detailed instructions.

Metes and bounds descriptions should be provided in latitude and longitude in degrees, minutes and seconds format, derived from maps projected in BC Albers NAD 83.

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Boundary lines of the area, when possible, should be rectangular. Where the topographic features of the area do not allow for rectangular boundary lines running true north, south, east and west, then boundaries will be permitted in other directions as long as they do not interfere with the orderly survey of other surrounding land.

The side lines of small parcels fronting on lakes, rivers, tidal waters and on certain surveyed highways shall, where possible, be parallel to each other and perpendicular to the general trend of the features on which the small parcel fronts.

The side lines for unsurveyed foreshore shall, as a general rule, be laid out at right angles to the general trend of the shore. This may be varied to suit special conditions, but encroachment on the foreshore fronting adjoining lands should be avoided. The outside or seaward boundary shall be a straight line or series of straight lines joining the outer ends of the side boundaries. On narrow bodies of water the outside boundary shall not normally extend beyond the near edge of the navigable channel.

If submitting a shape file to describe an unsurveyed application site, establishing a PoC is in the same manner described above is required. The shape must be drawn in the BC Albers projection.

Applicants are encouraged to submit shape files in the BC Albers NAD 83 projection as it may facilitate the processing of the application/amendment and also enhances the accuracy or depiction of the specific area which has been requested.

8. GPS coordinates for the center of the application area/tenure:

GPS coordinates indicating the center of the application/tenure area are required for general site location and aquaculture mapping purposes.

These coordinates may be derived by:

dGPS;

GIS using digital mapping program; or

Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) charts.

Provide the latitude and longitude for the center of the proposed area in degrees decimal minutes or degrees, minutes, seconds.

Note: To convert Decimal Degrees to Degree Decimal Minutes: For the latitude 45.57463⁰, 45 is the Degree Value 0.574639 can be converted to the Decimal Minutes value by multiplying by 60 = 45 Deg 34.478 Min (45⁰34.478’) To convert Decimal Degrees to Degrees Minutes Seconds: Continue on with calculation above to convert the minutes value to seconds 0.478 can be converted to the Decimal Seconds value by multiplying by 60 = 45 Deg 34 Min 28.7 Sec (45⁰34'28.7") On‐line calculators are also available.

9. Total Area of site (Hectares):

Provide the total area of the site in hectares.

1 hectare = 2.471 acres 1 metre = 3.281 feet 100 metres x 100 metres = 10,000 square metres or 1 hectare

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10. Intensive Use Area of site (Hectares):

The intensive use area is the Crown land occupied by structures that have a physical presence on the surface of the water and includes a 30 metre buffer around those structures. Common structures include net cages, living accommodations, feed barges, transfer pens, storage sheds, work floats, and other improvements. The annual rent payable to the Province for occupying Crown land for finfish aquaculture purposes is determined by establishing the size of the intensive use area.

It is important for the Province to be aware of the layout of physical structures at existing tenures. The table of physical structures and accompanying site diagrams should reflect the maximum areas to be covered by any given type of physical structure, including ancillary structures which will be moved on/off the site and/or utilized in various locations throughout the tenure as required.

Tenure holders are required to submit information for alternate configurations that differ from currently authorized configurations as follows:

If the proposed modification includes a change to or the repositioning of physical structures, which does not increase the intensive use area, the tenure holder must forward an alternate, top ‐ view operational diagram and an alternate table of physical structures (as applicable) to FLNR to be appended to the approved management plan on file.

• FLNR will respond to the tenure holder indicating that the information will become part of the official record or whether a new application is required.

Tenure holders are required to submit a Pacific Marine Finfish Aquaculture Application for amendments as follows:

If the proposed modification includes the addition of physical structures that would result in an increase to the intensive use area; or

If the proposed modification includes the reduction of physical structures for the purpose of reducing intensive use area rental calculations and assessments.

The surface structures identified on the top‐view, operational diagram must match the schedule of improvements. Where diagrams and schedules do not match, the application review may be delayed until corrected information is received.

10.1 Establishing the Intensive Use Area:

The size of the Intensive Use Area is determined by calculating the area occupied by the structures themselves and a 30m buffer around those structures. The area calculation is derived using a combination of the information supplied in the Schedule of Improvements and the top‐view, operational diagram.

Applicants are required to complete the Schedule of Improvements and indicate the size of the Intensive Use Area in hectares. FLNR will review this information to confirm completeness and accuracy.

Example scenarios for determining the size of the Intensive Use Area:

Depending on the layout of improvements, the determination of 30m buffers will vary. Common examples are outlined below:

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a) When a proposal includes individual structures occupying the site; they are

listed as a single line item on the Schedule of Improvements. The 30m buffer is applied to the perimeter of the improvement.

DESCRIPTION QUANTITY DIMENSIONS INTENSIVE USE AREA

Net Cage Array 18 25m x 25m square Feed Barge 1 20m x 20m 0.64ha Utility Floats 3 10m x 10m Transfer Cages 4 15m x 15m

Figure 1

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b) When a proposal includes multiple structures of similar type occupying the

site; they are listed as a single line item on the Schedule of Improvements. For Intensive Use Area calculation purposes, these structures will be grouped together, regardless of their position within the tenure and a 30m buffer is applied to the perimeter of the grouping. This methodology applies to all ancillary improvements and transfer cages. This methodology does not apply to net cage arrays.

DESCRIPTION QUANTITY DIMENSIONS INTENSIVE USE AREA

Net Cage Array 18 25m x 25m square Feed Barge 1 20m x 20m Utility Floats 3 10m x 10m

Transfer Cages 4 15m x 15m 0.88ha

Figure 2

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c) When a proposal includes multiple arrays occupying the site and the top‐ view operational diagram indicates there is no overlapping of Intensive Use Areas, the calculation is determined by the sum of the individual cage arrays (including walkways) and a 30m buffer applied to the perimeter of each array.

DESCRIPTION QUANTITY DIMENSIONS INTENSIVE USE AREA

Net Cage Array 12 30m x 30m square 4.09 ha Net Cage Array 16 25m x 25m square 3.14 ha Feed Barge 1 20m x 20m Utility Floats 3 10m x 10m

Transfer Cages 4 15m x 15m

Figure 3

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d) When a proposal includes multiple arrays occupying the site and the top‐

view operational diagram illustrates an overlapping of Intensive Use Areas, the calculation will be determined by the sum of the individual cage arrays (including walkways and buffers). The calculation methodology is the same as described in example # 3 (a deduction is not given for the overlapping buffer area).

DESCRIPTION QUANTITY DIMENSIONS INTENSIVE USE AREA

Net Cage Array 18 25m x 25m square 3.45ha

Net Cage Array 8 30m x 30m square 2.37ha

Feed Barge 1 20m x 20m Utility Floats 3 10m x 10m

Transfer Cages 4 15m x 15m

Figure 4

e) When a proposal includes the use of cages anchored within a grid, the Intensive Use Area is defined by a 30m buffer around the outside corner, anchoring buoys illustrated on the top‐view operational diagram.

DESCRIPTION QUANTITY DIMENSIONS INTENSIVE USE AREA

Net Cage Array 6 120m circle 3.28ha

Feed Barge 1 20m x 20m Utility Floats 3 10m x 10m

Transfer Cages 4 15m x 15m

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Figure 5

f) When a proposal includes multiple options to cage array configurations, all options are identified on the schedule of improvements. A separate top view operational diagram is required for each cage array option identified. The Intensive Use Area for rental calculation purposes is based upon the configuration of cage arrays and ancillary structures that occupy the largest Intensive Use Area footprint.

DESCRIPTION QUANTITY DIMENSIONS INTENSIVE USE AREA

Net Cage Array Options

Option 1 12 30m x 30m square 3.12ha Option 2 20 25m x 25m square 3.74ha

Feed Barge 1 20m x 20m Utility Floats 3 10m x 10m

Transfer Cages 4 15m x 15m

11. Extensive Use Area of site (Hectares):

Extensive use area is the area of Crown land tenure used for anchoring structures that is outside of intensive areas but that do not impede navigation or access to lands beyond (in other words, the portion of the tenure area not occupied by farm structures).

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Minimum requirements:

Enter the extensive use area in the space provided. This must be expressed in hectares (e.g. 22.8 ha).

On the Top View Operational Diagram (a requirement of Part 1, Section 2 C of the application) show the location of the anchors and anchor lines, keeping in mind that the anchors must be contained within the tenure boundaries.

12. Will artificial lighting be used on the site? Yes No

If artificial lighting will be used at the facility check “Yes”, otherwise check “No”.

Frequency:

If artificial lighting will be used at the facility, identify months used and number of days per month.

Duration:

If artificial lighting will be used at the facility, provide the hours per day it will be used.

13. Physical Structures:

13. A ‐ Proposed Physical Structures (Improvements): Complete this section by providing information on all proposed structures following the examples on the table. If more than one net cage array configuration is proposed, attach additional physical structures tables for each proposal. All physical structures noted must appear on the Top View and Side View Operational Diagrams (Part I, Section C of the application).

13. B – Licensed Physical Structures (Improvements): Complete this section if the proposed physical structures described in 13. A are associated with an existing physical structure and the modification results in a change to the predicted benthic footprint. This typically occurs when adding additional net pen cages to a containment structure array or changing the size or style of the net pen cages. The table is to be completed by providing the dimensions of the currently licensed structures to be amended. A separate table should be submitted for each additional plan in 13.A if it meets the criteria above. See the table below to determine which sections must be submitted for each application type.

APPLICATION TYPE PHYSICAL STRUCTURES SECTIONS New Sites 13. A only Amendments to modify existing net cage array

13. A and 13. B

Amendments to add alternate net cage array

13. A only

SECTION C: MAPS AND DIAGRAMS

All maps must be titled as indicated below (e.g. Top View Operational Diagram).

Note: If any maps or diagrams are larger than 11” x 17”, Transport Canada requires that you enclose five (5) copies. For drawings 11” x 17” or smaller, one (1) copy will be sufficient.

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1. General Location Map:

A topographic map at a scale of 1:50,000 to 1:250,000 indicating the general location of area under application, noting the location of significant geographic features, such as a lake, mountain, road, community etc. See Appendix B‐1.

2. Detailed Location Map:

A section of a Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) Marine Chart (if site is located in marine waters) or a Cadastral map, or a Topographical map of a scale between 1:20,000 and 1:40,000, showing detailed location of the area under application. See Appendix B‐2.

3. Top View Operational Diagram:

A 1:5,000 scale CHS chart showing the area under application. Please include on the diagram the scale of the original CHS map i.e. 1:30,000 scale and ensure all details on the map are noted relative to the 1:5,000 scale. (Note: distortion will occur during enlargement or reduction of the diagrams so modification may be required to fit the 1:5,000 scale). For amendment applications to an existing tenure, indicate both the existing and proposed tenure boundaries. When situating the proposed area, please draw to the survey line. If no survey, align with the ICF layer, and if not that layer is not available, then draw to the water trim layer.

All physical structures (improvements) associated with the proposed operation must be indicated on the diagram, including all containment structures, anchor lines, feed barges, living accommodations, mort floats, docking stations, miscellaneous work floats, etc. The improvements noted on the diagram must be the same information contained in the Physical Structures Table (Part I, Section B 13.A). Containment structures should be labeled from 1 through X, beginning in the North‐West corner and proceeding clockwise from there. These numbers must remain consistent through the length of a grow‐out period.

Amendments within a grow‐out period where containment arrays are altered must maintain the active numbering convention during a grow‐out period such that each containment structure maintains its number throughout the grow‐out period.

The diagram must include a North arrow and bathymetric contours. The dominant and subdominant current direction(s) should be indicated on the diagram including the bearing(s) (in degrees magnetic) and the location of the current meter should be shown. See Appendix B‐3. The physical structures noted on the diagram must also be noted in Part 1, Section B, and Question 13.A.

4. Side View Operational Diagram:

A map(s) showing a cross‐section diagram of the containment array(s) that itemizes all structures above the surface and includes all underwater structures and the high and low water mark. Where possible, the ocean bottom can be used as a reference provided detail is not compromised. See Appendix B‐4.

5. Habitat Map:

A 1:5,000 to 1:10,000 scale habitat map showing the boundaries of the application area and including habitat characteristics from the baseline habitat assessment. See Appendix B‐5.

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Characteristics include bottom substrate type, depth contours, location and type of megafauna (glass sponge complexes, coral complexes), shellfish beds, eel grass beds, rockfish habitat and kelp beds. Baseline dive and/or video transect locations and benthic sampling locations must be included. Current meter location and DEPOMOD max feed rate predictions should also be on this map. See Habitat Information Resource document associated with Part III, Section D2 of this guide for further guidance.

6. Structural Amendments Diagram

This diagram is only required for existing sites requesting amendments to infrastructure. A 1:5,000 scale site plan showing all proposed and currently licensed physical structures. Proposed amendments are indicated using different patterns or colours to distinguish the proposed structures from the currently licensed structures and configurations. The diagram must include a legend to identify all symbols used.

Refer to the table below to determine if a Structural Amendments Diagram is required:

APPLICATION TYPE STRUCTURAL AMENDMENT DIAGRAM New Sites Not required Amendments to add alternate net cage array

Required (See Appendix B‐6A)

Amendments to modify existing net cage array

Required (See Appendix B‐6B)

SECTION D: WATER USE

1. Will fresh water be used at this facility? Yes No

If using or proposing to use surface water, provide the name of the water source.

A water licence may be required if the proposed facility requires access to surface water for domestic or commercial use. Water licence application and amendment forms are available at:

http://www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca/atoz.html

The Water Licensing website, which includes general information on water licensing and legislation, can be found at:

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/

Note: Applicants must contact DFO Aquaculture Environmental Operations Group if the proposed site presents any potential for disruption of stream habitat.

Contact the DFO Aquaculture Environmental Operations Group with any questions regarding stream surveying and fish habitat. Complete text of the DFO “Freshwater Intake End‐of‐Pipe and Fish Screen Guideline” can be found at:

http://www.dfo‐mpo.gc.ca/library/223669.pdf

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2. Existing water licence or application:

Provide the number of the existing water licence and/or provide the date of submission for a water licence.

SECTION E: FIRST NATIONS CONSIDERATION

Background

As part of the review and consideration of aquaculture applications, the responsible federal and provincial agencies will be undertaking consultations with applicable First Nations in order to meet the Crown’s duty to consult. In addition to consultations conducted by government, it is recommended that applicants contact the applicable First Nation(s) early in the planning process to share information and seek their views with respect to the planned operation/site.

Generally speaking, proposed aquaculture projects will not be approved if they are within one km of a First Nation reserve. Exceptions may include cases where the applicant is a First Nation or where the applicable First Nation(s) is/are supportive of the project. In these cases, a Band Council Resolution from the First Nation(s) indicating support for the proposed project should be obtained by the applicant and submitted with the application.

Recommended minimum requirements

Prior to submitting an application, it is recommended that applicants undertake the following:

Identify the First Nation(s) who traditionally occupy or use the area for which the application is proposed.

Contact applicable local First Nation(s) to inform them of the proposal.

Share information and be prepared to engage in a dialogue with the First Nation(s) regarding the proposed operation (e.g. species to be cultured, potential size and location of the facility, other considerations).

Where possible, obtain a letter of support or letter of non‐objection for the proposed project from the First Nation(s). This may facilitate more efficient consultation by the appropriate federal and provincial agencies and reduce the processing time of the application.

If the site is located within one km of a First Nation reserve, obtain an official Band Council Resolution indicating support for the proposed project.

Include any relevant documentation or correspondence with First Nation(s).

Additional resources and contact information

The following resources may be useful in determining the locations of First Nation reserves and traditional territories in B.C.:

Coastal Resource Inventory Maps (CRIMs) may indicate the locations of First Nation reserves near the proposed site area.

http://geobc.gov.bc.ca/base‐mapping/coastal/index.html

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The Canadian Hydrographic Service marine charts identify the locations of most First Nation reserves and may serve as a useful first step in identifying reserve locations.

The B.C. Treaty Negotiations Office website provides an alphabetical list of all First Nations in B.C.

http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/treaty/default.html

It provides online community profiles of First Nations, including contact names and addresses. It is searchable by band name.

http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/treaty/alpha_a_g.html

The Consultative Area Database (CAD) Public Map Service provides contact information for First Nations, instructions and supporting information.

http://maps.gov.bc.ca/ess/sv/imapbc/

For further information about aboriginal relations and consultations, or to confirm traditional territory boundaries, contact the B.C. Treaty Negotiations Office.

To see how the B.C. government conducts First Nations consultations, refer to the Aboriginal Interests Assessment Procedures, used to evaluate aquaculture applications and the British Columbia Consultation Guidelines

http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/reports/down/updated_procedures.pdf

Further information regarding Government of Canada consultations and a copy of the Updated Guidelines for Federal Officials to Fulfill the Duty to Consult (March 2011) can be found at the following website:

http://www.aadnc‐aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100014664/1100100014675.

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PART II – INFORMATION FOR THE BC MINISTRY OF FORESTS, LANDS AND NATURAL RESOURCE OPERATIONS

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNR) is responsible for the administration of Crown land and the review of Land Act applications and the authorization of Land Act Disposition Agreements. Marine finfish tenure applications are reviewed pursuant to the standard policies and procedures developed by FLNR. Aquaculture applications must be submitted using the harmonized Pacific Marine Finfish Aquaculture Application Form. The Land Use Operational Policy for Aquaculture applies to the siting and improvements of tenures required for the cultivation of, finfish, shellfish and marine plants on aquatic Crown land or foreshore. The policy can be reviewed at the following link:

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/Land_Tenures/tenure_programs/programs/aquaculture/

IF YOU ARE ONLY APPLYING FOR FEDERAL AUTHORIZATION OR AMENDMENT(S) TO FEDERAL AUTHORIZATION (see Application Checklist on page 7) DO NOT COMPLETE PART II.

SECTION A: SITING CONSIDERATIONS

Standardized siting considerations are utilized during the review of aquaculture applications. Applicants must respond to each siting consideration and should provide additional information regarding adaptive management strategies in situations where their proposal may not align with a specific siting consideration. It is recommended applicants work with relevant agencies when developing adaptive management strategies. Incomplete submissions will result in the non‐acceptance of an application.

The information gathered from responses to the siting considerations is combined with information received from other government agencies, First Nations and the public. The combined information package is reviewed by FLNR in the determination of decisions that are environmentally sustainable and contribute to economic prosperity. The decisions are informed by a variety of strategic and operational policies and the expertise of government employees involved in the review of the application.

Applicants are required to undertake their own on‐site investigations to identify the presence of various social, economic and environmental values occurring in the general area of the application. In addition to on‐site investigations, applicants should review provincial databases such as the Integrated Land Resource Registry (ILRR) for information about possible interests occurring near the area of application. Using maps and textual reports, the ILRR is an online registry that provides current and reliable information about legal interests, rights, designations and administrative boundaries on Crown land. It also holds information about land and resource restrictions and reservations and the location of private land. The

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ILRR uses a standard web browser and is available to individuals holding a BCeID number. To learn more about the ILRR follow this link http://archive.ilmb.gov.bc.ca/ilrr/index.htm. To register for a BCeID number, follow this link: https://www.bceid.ca/.

1. Does your proposal infringe on the riparian rights of an upland owner? Yes No

Riparian Access:

Landowners of waterfront property have certain common law rights that include the right to launch a boat of reasonable size being sufficient to navigate in the adjacent waters. The owner's rights extend along the natural boundary of their upland parcel. The placement of the improvements should not infringe on the riparian rights of the upland owner. This applies to private land and Crown land ownership.

Upon review of an application, the Province may identify the potential for improvements to infringe upon the upland owner's riparian rights. Under these circumstances, the Province may direct the applicant to obtain a Letter of Consent from landowner(s) having rights associated with access to navigable waters. Applications will be held until the Province receives a copy of the upland owner's response. Landowners are not obligated to provide consent. If consent is provided, it may be time limited and is non‐transferable if the landowner changes.

When the Crown owns the upland, further discussions with provincial ministries may be required subject to any designations on the upland parcel (e.g. right of ways for various purposes).

Note: If applicants are unsure about the legal rights of upland owners, FLNR recommends client seek legal advice. Applicants may voluntarily seek upland owner consent prior to submitting their application. A sample form is located at: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/Land_Tenures/tenure_programs/programs/aquaculture/

2. Is the intended use consistent with approved local government bylaws for land use

planning and zoning? Yes No

Local Government Authority:

Local governments have authority to approve broad objectives, policies and guidelines respecting land use and development. Local governments exercise their authority through zoning bylaws, permits and other instruments (such as an Official Community Plan). Note: there are circumstances where more than one local government authority overlaps the application area.

Zoning:

Applicants should contact the appropriate local government to determine whether Zoning or Rural Land Use Bylaws apply to aquaculture activities on the specific parcel under application. Local governments review aquaculture applications and provide comments in relation to their Official Community Plans.

If aquaculture activity is not consistent with current local government land use designations, applicants should seek information related to any rezoning processes and determine whether they wish to proceed with the Land Act application.

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Whenever rezoning may be required, FLNR requires details and copies of any relevant correspondence. A positive decision by FLNR does not guarantee that the activity can occur if the activity is inconsistent with local government land use zoning.

Maps of Municipalities and Regional Districts:

To identify the appropriate local government authority(s) refer to the table available at the following website: http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/StatisticsBySubject/KeyIndicators.aspx . Select the table: Translation of Place Names to BC Administrative Regions.

Once you have identified the area of interest, reference maps are available at the following website: http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/StatisticsBySubject/Geography.aspx . The general location of BC municipalities can be viewed available under the Development Regions Tab (PDF entitled Detailed Wall‐Size).

3. Is the site situated greater than one km in all directions from a First Nation Reserve? Yes No

Siting considerations recommend that aquaculture operations do not occur within one km of a First Nation Reserve. The one km distance should be measured from the edge of the First Nation Reserve to the edge of the tenure boundary at the site location.

If the proposed tenure boundary is situated within one km of a First Nation Reserve, FLNR requires proponents to obtain an Official Band Council Resolution supporting the application. Details of communications and relevant correspondence should be provided to FLNR. To identify the nearest First Nation Reserve, go to the GEOBC gateway: http://geobc.gov.bc.ca/.

Regardless of the proximity of a First Nation Reserve, dialogue with local First Nations at the earliest stages of site identification may assist with developing positive relationships, identify possible effects on Aboriginal interests and provide useful information about land use and local resources. The Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation has released a Guide to Involving Proponents When Consulting First Nations. The document contains operational guidance related to the role of proponents in First Nations consultation. The guide can be found at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/consultation/down/guide_to_involving_proponents_2 011.pdf.

To foster better relationships between applicants and First Nations, the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation released additional guidance; Building Relationships with First Nations: Respecting Rights and Doing Good Business. This plain language guide provides practical advice on strategies to help business applicants develop strong working relationships with First Nations. The guide can be found at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/consultation/down/workingwithfirstnations_docume nt.pdf.

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The Province has a legal responsibility to consult with First Nations having established or asserted claims of traditional rights or territories over the area of the application. It is recommended applicants engage local First Nations, as this may assist with your application. The public can make enquiries of the Consultative Area Database to gather the contact information for individual First Nations. A guide to the Consultative Area Database is available at: http://maps.gov.bc.ca/ess/sv/imapbc.

4. Is the site situated greater than one km in a direct line of sight from existing federal parks, regional district parks, provincial parks, marine protected areas, and conservancies (or approved proposals for these)? Yes No

FLNR requires applicants to determine the distance between the area of interest and existing or approved proposals for federal, provincial or regional parks, marine protected areas and conservancies. The one km distance should be measured in a direct line of sight from the park, marine protected area, or conservancy to any surface improvement at the site location.

This siting consideration may be relaxed if an aquaculture proposal is within one km of a park or conservancy greater than 1000 hectares in size. Relaxation may also be considered in parks or conservancies less than 1000 hectares in size where the proposed site is not highly visible from the visitor‐use areas. The approval to relax the siting consideration is subject to a site‐specific review by regulatory agencies. FLNR requires proponents to provide additional information to support the application whenever any siting consideration is not met.

The BC Parks website provides information on provincial parks, protected areas, and recreation areas. This information can be found under “Map Layers” at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/map.html.

The Front Counter BC Discovery Tool includes an option for measuring distance and provides information on provincial parks, national parks, and protected areas. It can be found at: http://www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca/mapping/index.html.

The Integrated Land Resource Registry may also be helpful as it includes various map layers and a tool for measuring distance. It is located at: http://archive.ilmb.gov.bc.ca/ilrr/index.html.

Applicants are advised to contact relevant agencies directly to determine if there are any approved proposals for federal, provincial or regional parks or marine protected areas; prior to submitting their proposal.

5. Is the site situated greater than one km from ecological reserves smaller than 1000 ha or approved proposals for ecological reserves smaller than 1000 ha? Yes No

FLNR requires that applicants determine the distance between the site applied for and any nearby existing or approved proposals for an ecological reserve less than 1000 hectares.

The one km distance should be measured from the edge of the ecological reserves to the edge of the tenure boundary at the site location.

The BC Parks website provides information on existing ecological reserves and approved proposals for ecological reserves. This information can be found under “Map Layers” at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/map.html. An

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alphabetical listing of these reserves can be found at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/eco_reserve/alphalist.html.

Note: For more information on proposed ecological reserves contact BC PARKS at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/info/feedback.html.

The following websites may also be of assistance as they include a map layer for existing ecological reserves and a tool for measuring distance:

Integrated Land Resource Registry: http://archive.ilmb.gov.bc.ca/ilrr/index.html.

Front Counter BC Discovery Tool: http://www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca/mapping/index.html.

6. Is the site situated greater than one km from the mouth of an anadromous salmonid bearing stream determined as significant by the Province? Yes No

The one km distance should be measured from the lower intertidal area where the stream enters the ocean to the edge of the net cages at the site location. The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all streams within 1km of the site are surveyed following Resources Inventory Committee’s (RIC) Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory: Standards and Procedures. http://www.ilmb.gov.bc.ca/risc/pubs/aquatic/sitecard/sitecard2.0.pdf.

Surveying should be undertaken during the time(s) of year when anadromous salmonids of provincial interest are expected to be present. Proponents are advised to contact Provincial Fish and Wildlife biologists within the relevant region to confirm the appropriate sampling window. Where anadromous salmonids of provincial interest are found within a stream, proponents should contact Provincial Fish and Wildlife biologists with the information and provide a potential mitigation strategy.

Field surveys for fish‐stream identification must be designed and carried out by qualified and experienced personnel. Persons trained to the level of expertise necessary for these surveys most commonly include biologists, biological technicians and environmental technicians. Proponents are advised to contact Provincial Fish and Wildlife biologists within the relevant region to confirm the appropriate sampling window and obtain the required sampling permit prior to commencing fieldwork to ensure that the data collected will be acceptable.

Information about fish and fish habitat may already exist. Databases such as Fish Wizard may provide information on the presence of fish in streams near your application site. Fish Wizard is available at: http://www.gofishbc.com/home.aspx. Additional information on the classification of fish streams is available from the Forest Practices Code Fish‐stream Identification Guidebook. The guide is found at:

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/tasb/legsregs/fpc/FPCGUIDE/FISH/FishStream.pdf.

7. Is the intended use consistent with a Local Area Plan or Coastal Zone Management Plan? Yes No

This siting consideration applies to both new‐site and amendment applications. FLNR requires that applicants review any provincial Land Use Plan or Coastal Zone Management Plan relevant to the area of interest. It is the applicant’s responsibility to determine whether their proposal is consistent with those plans before submitting their application. If the intended use is not consistent contact

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the agency responsible for implementation of the plan to discuss your proposal. Some plans provide options for variance. Applicants are advised to review the requirements of the relevant plan for variance procedures. FLNR does not guarantee a variance will be granted and, if the application is accepted, standard review procedures will apply. Details of communications and relevant correspondence should be provided to FLNR.

The following link provides information on Land and Coastal Marine Plans in BC: http://www.ilmb.gov.bc.ca/slrp/lrmp/index.html.

The following link provides a general location map depicting some of the Marine Plans in BC: http://archive.ilmb.gov.bc.ca/slrp/lrmp/map_marine_plans.html.

SECTION B: ADDITIONAL CROWN LANDS INFORMATION

1. Is the applicant or applicant’s spouse a provincial government employee? Yes No

This information is required to identify potential conflicts of interest with respect to the transparent and fair review and determination of a Land Act application to occupy Crown land.

2. Are all applicants Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents; or if a corporation, registered partnership, cooperative or non‐profit society, is it registered in BC? Yes No

It is a requirement for applicants to be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents or, a corporation, which is incorporated or registered in British Columbia. Land Use Operational Policy provides direction to allow non‐ Canadians to apply for a Land Act disposition when they own the adjacent upland parcel (companies must still be incorporated or registered in B.C). For more detailed policy information, see Eligibility and Restrictions at: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/land_tenures/documents/policies/eligibility.pdf

For details on qualifications for Canadian citizenship and Permanent Resident status refer to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp

3. Is/Are applicant(s)years of age or older: Yes No

It is a requirement for applicants to be age 19 years or older. Refer to: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/land_tenures/documents/policies/eligibility.pdf

4. For applications made by more than one individual: Joint Tenant or Tenants in Common

When more than one individual is identified as the proponent there are options for indicating the relationship between the parties:

Joint Tenants (Land Tenure): In a joint tenancy situation, if one of the tenants expires, his/her interest in the land passes to the surviving joint tenant(s).

Tenants in Common (Land Tenure): In a tenants in common situation, if one of the tenants expires, his/her interest in the land passes to his/her estate.

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If a positive decision is made regarding your application, the multiple tenant relationship will be recorded on any subsequent legal documents. The preferred tenancy relationship must be declared when the application is submitted. Each person indicated in a multiple tenant relationship must meet the mandatory eligibility requirements described in Section B. Applicants are encouraged to seek independent legal advice before choosing either option.

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PART III – INFORMATION FOR FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) requests that all applicants provide their date of birth. This information will only be used by DFO as a means to correctly identify licence holders. If more than one applicant, insert the names of each applicant.

SECTION A: SITING CONSIDERATIONS

The siting guidelines were implemented post the Salmon Aquaculture Review (SAR). They are used to evaluate proposals for the siting of new finfish farms. Applications are assessed by government based in part on conformance with these guidelines and on the professional judgment of government reviewers.

Check those that apply to the subject site; for those siting considerations that are not checked, please provide rationale for proceeding with this application.

SECTION B: SPECIES AND PRODUCTION

Schedule A1. Details by Species Check all species that you intend to culture and indicate the Combined Peak Biomass in metric tonnes (t).

For amendments, also indicate all currently licensed species and Combined Peak Biomass in this section.

NOTE: Species intended for culture other than species currently licensed by DFO (species

in the ‘Other’ category) will require an in‐depth review and/or risk assessment by the Introductions and Transfers Committee (ITC)

(http://www.pac.dfo‐mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/licence‐permis/intro‐trans/index‐ eng.html).

*If ‘Other’ species selected for culture, please fill out the following table:

If species intended for culture is under the ‘Other’ category, please provide the following information pertaining to the species:

Source location: The proposed company name or location (city, state/province, nearest town) of the source of fish. If you are receiving the fish from a licensed aquaculture facility in BC, please provide the Aquaculture Licence #.

Life Stage: Indicate proposed life stage of fish that will be used to stock your facility – Adult, Fry, or Smolts.

Genetic Status: Provide information regarding the genetic status of the proposed species – Diploid, Triploid, Sex‐reversed, Transgenic, Mono‐sexed, Other.

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Import into BC: Will there be a requirement to import the proposed species into BC? If yes, both a valid Introductions and Transfers Licence issued by DFO and a valid Import Permit issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will be required prior to import and stocking of the facility. For further information please contact the Introductions and Transfers Committee:

Telephone: 604‐666‐5519 Fax: 604‐666‐1076 Email: famitc@dfo‐mpo.gc.ca Website: http://www.pac.dfo‐mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/licence‐ permis/intro‐trans/licencereq‐permisreq‐eng.html

For further information regarding the CFIA’s importing process and requirements, please click on the following link: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/aqua/imp/impe.shtml

Or contact the CFIA Centre for Administration at: [email protected]

For a CFIA import application form, please click on the following link: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/DAM/DAM‐animals‐animaux/STAGING/text‐ texte/c5670_1331653077668_eng.pdf

NOTE: In many cases both an ITC licence and a CFIA permit are required for the import of live fish of any life stage (i.e. seed, spat, eggs, juveniles or adults) into British Columbia for aquaculture purposes. If you are unsure of requirements related to the import of live fish, please contact the ITC at FAMITC@dfo‐ mpo.gc.ca

SECTION C: DOMESTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT

1. Is there a floating living accommodation within the marine waters of the application area? Yes No

If there is a floating living accommodation within the marine waters of the application area, check Yes and provide a description of domestic sewage treatment works, otherwise check No.

2. Location of the sewage discharge point (include depth of outfall line):

Include GPS coordinates and physical location in relation to accommodation facilities

3. Maximum number of people utilizing the facility on site:

4. Frequency of septic tank clean‐out (if septic tanks are in‐use).

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SECTION D: FISH HABITAT AND PROTECTION MEASURES

NOTE: A qualified professional must carry out the habitat assessment sampling survey and reporting.

D1 MODELLING

See DFO Marine fish Habitat Information Requirements (HIR) for Finfish Aquaculture Projects. Refer to Appendix C‐1.

Modelling of predicted footprint(s) of containment structure array(s) using acceptable sedimentation models such as DEPOMOD are required.

DEPOMOD results for all proposed containment structure arrays should be submitted including:

Diagram(s) of the farm’s footprint(s) based on maximum feeding rate including the 1g and 5g C/m2/day contours;

Diagram(s) of the farm’s footprint(s) based on average feeding rate including the 1g and 5g C/m2/day contours;

Carbon flux area summary table;

Site information summary table; and

All results and data products

D2 HABITAT SURVEYS

See DFO Marine Fish Habitat Information Requirements (HIR) for Finfish Aquaculture Projects. Refer to Appendix C‐2.1 through C‐2.7.

D2.1 Nearshore Swim Survey

Information to be collected and reported:

Video data

Habitat & Substrate type

Presence of Macrofauna, Macrophytes, and Critical or Sensitive Habitats

Habitat observations should be recorded throughout the swim and significant changes noted (include depths)

Observations must be summarized in a Species List Table and features identified on a Habitat Map

D2.2 Foreshore Transect Survey

Information to be collected and reported:

The information as above in the Nearshore Swim

Transect locations and a Depth Profile for each transect

Observations must be summarized in a Species List Table and features identified on a Habitat Map

D2.3 Critical or Sensitive Habitat Survey(s)

Information to be collected and reported:

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Information on anadromous spawning areas, kelp beds, eelgrass beds, lingcod spawning habitats, herring spawn areas, abalone habitat, rockfish rearing/nursery areas, shellfish beds, unique features and glass sponge complexes

Transect locations and a Depth Profile for each transect

Observations must be summarized in a Species List Table and features identified on a Habitat Map.

D2.4 Benthic ROV Surveys

Information to be collected and reported:

Video data of the sea bed at a minimum of the area encompassed by the 1g C/m2/day DEPOMOD flux (based on maximum feeding rate) prediction for the proposed location(s) of the containment structure array(s), and two reference stations (for new sites). Consider doing additional area within the tenure so additional baseline work may not be required for future amendments.

Bathymetry and topography

Habitat & Substrate type

Presence of Macrofauna, Macrophytes, and Critical or Sensitive Habitats

Any existing anthropogenic impact sources/evidence

Transect locations; which may occur both parallel and perpendicular to the shoreline

Observations must be summarized in a Species List Table and features identified on a Habitat Map

D2.5 Sediment Sampling

Information to be collected and reported:

Sediment sampling from the sea bed identified in the ROV survey associated with the proposed location(s) of the containment structure array(s), and two reference stations (for new sites)

Bathymetry and topography

Habitat & Substrate type

Presence of Macrofauna & Macrophytes

Physical parameters of sediment including colour, odour, texture, gas bubbles, flocculent organic matter, opportunistic polychaete complexes (OPC), Beggiatoa‐like species, fish feed, fish feces, terrigenous material and farm litter

Chemical parameters of sediment including free sulphides, redox potential, total volatile solids, sediment grain size and/or percent moisture, and a total metals package

Biological samples in which biota is taxonomically identified to at least the level of family with all major taxa identified to the level of species, and counted

Transect locations; which may occur both parallel and perpendicular to the shoreline

Observations must be summarized in a Species List Table and features identified on a Habitat Map

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D3 CURRENTS METERING

See DFO Marine Fish Habitat Information Requirements (HIR) for Finfish Aquaculture Projects. Refer to Appendix C‐3.

Ocean current characterization must be completed at each proposed location of an individual containment structure array in a tenure by deployment of current meter devices:

a. Within 30 metres of the edge of the proposed containment structure array or within 100 metres if the array is already in place;

b. At the following depths:

i. 15 metres below the surface;

ii. 5 metres above the bottom; and

iii. Mid‐water if the depth is greater than 50 metres;

c. Recording speed and direction instantaneously or as averages from continuous measurements over 2 minutes at least once every 30 minutes over a period of at least 30 days;

d. Recording current direction in degrees magnetic and degrees true. When reporting current direction in degrees true the magnetic readings and correction factors must be included; and

e. Recording current speed in centimetres per second.

SECTION E: MANAGEMENT PLANS

For examples of management plans and reporting templates, refer to the appendices in the Marine Finfish Conditions of Licence (MFF COL) available at the following website: http://www.pac.dfo‐mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/licence‐permis/mar‐eng.html

E1 INVENTORY PLAN

A projected 24‐month inventory plan for all licensed species including biomass and age class at this facility must be provided. The inventory plan is considered proprietary information and will not be released as part of the referral process.

Note: If a DFO aquaculture licence is issued for the proposed facility an updated inventory plan will be required as a condition of licence prior to fish entering the site.

E2 CONTAINMENT ARRAY MANAGEMENT PLAN

The licence holder shall include the following elements in the Containment Array Management Plan for each proposed cage configuration listed in the physical structures table provided in Part‐1 General Applicant Information.

Note: If a DFO aquaculture licence is issued for the proposed facility an updated Containment Array Management Plan will be required as a condition of licence

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when the containment array structure is anchored and prior to fish entering the site.

Operational Diagram(s) as described in Part‐1 General Applicant Information, Section C: Maps and Diagrams.

Note: The Operational Diagram(s) provided in Part‐1 General Applicant Information, Section C: Maps and Diagram (2a)‐ A 1:5,000 CHS chart showing the tenure boundary and physical structures must be provided in a separate file for amendment applications to an existing DFO Aquaculture licence or if a DFO aquaculture licence is issued for a new site.

A diagram(s) of the containment array with pen numbers labeled. Use the following convention for labeling site pens. If you use another numbering convention, explain why it is being used and ensure that each pen has a unique number.

Pens should be labeled from 1 through X, beginning in the North‐West corner and proceeding clockwise from there. These numbers must remain consistent through the length of a grow‐out period. Amendments within a grow‐out period, where pen arrays are altered, must maintain the active numbering convention such that each pen maintains its number throughout the grow‐out period.

A table with the geographic coordinates of each corner of the containment structure array. Geographic coordinates for proposed cage corners may be obtained using electronic mapping software; however the licence holder shall ensure that, prior to transferring fish onsite, a professional Global Positioning System (GPS) is used to obtain real‐time (RT) differential or post‐processed (PP) differential corrected (corrected dGPS) readings for each corner of the containment structure at high slack tide. Corrected dGPS cage corner coordinates shall be submitted to the Department prior to transferring fish onsite.

A table with the coordinates of the compliance monitoring stations or zone of compliance. The location of the compliance sampling stations or zones of compliance must be established by the process outlined in the Benthic Monitoring Program associated with the Marine Finfish Conditions of Licence and indicated on the 1:5000 Habitat Map (Part 1 General Applicant Information, Section C: Maps and Diagrams).

E3 HEALTH MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Health Management Plans (HMPs) submitted in their draft form is initially considered proprietary information and will not be released as part of the referral process. Subsequently, the applicant is made aware that the finalised HMP, destined to form an appendix of the Marine Finfish Aquaculture Licence, becomes publicly available and commits the licence holder to ensure and maintain the health and wholesomeness of cultured finfish. The HMP also commits the licence holder to abide by key principles of the management of health.

Applicants planning to culture salmonids in, or destined for, the marine environment shall have in place, be prepared to comply with, and have on site a current Health Management Plan (HMP) prior to live salmonids being present on site. The application and licensing process can proceed without a finalised HMP yet the HMP must be reviewed by the Department for essential

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commitments before salmonids can be present on site. The HMP forms one of

two components of health management:

a) Part One: A Health Management Plan (HMP) addressing the principles, concepts and required elements of fish health management outlined in Appendix D; and

b) Part Two: The licence holder’s HMP Standard Operating Procedures (HMP‐SOPs) designed to detail the operational activities used to implement the concepts and required elements of Part One. HMP‐SOPs may be facility‐specific or practiced at all Licence Holder’s facilities. These SOPs are considered ‘evergreen’ documents that will change regularly and they are considered proprietary. An HMP‐SOP template is available in Appendix D‐1.

For cultured salmonid species in, or destined for, marine water systems the licence holder shall;

c) Submit both the HMP and the set of facility‐specific HMP‐SOPs in its entirety to the Department based on the following criteria:

i) Single licence holders submit one HMP and one set of HMP‐ SOPs;

ii) Multiple license holders may submit one HMP, identifying each of the licences to which the HMP applies; and, if necessary, identifying which HMP‐SOPs are facility‐specific (i.e. applicable to individual licences).

d) Thereafter, any proposed amendments to the HMP must be submitted to the satisfaction of the Department;

e) Submit to the Department, for its considered response, all amendments to facility‐specific HMP‐SOPs, or indicate no changes, annually by October 15.

Applicants planning to culture, or licence holders culturing, non‐ salmonid marine species identified in this application or on the licence are required to have in place and comply with Carcass Management Plans (CMPs) ( see Appendix E ), prior to live finfish being present on site. As an alternative, HMPs specific to each non‐ salmonid species reared can be submitted provided they encompass CMP requirements. The application and licensing process can proceed without a finalised HMP yet the HMP must be reviewed by the Department for essential commitments before finfish can be present on site. Amendments thereafter would follow procedures outlined above and as per the Marine Finfish Conditions of Licence (MFF COL).

The applicant is made aware that a licence holder shall ensure the HMP, or in the case of non‐salmonid culture, a separate CMP, must include mortality event plans and protocols as defined below and in Part A of the MFF COL. In terms of marine finfish “mortality event” is: a) fish mortalities equivalent to 4000 kg or more, or losses reaching

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2% of the current facility inventory, within a 24 hour period or; b) fish

mortalities equivalent to 10,000 kg or more, or losses reaching 5%, within a 5 day period. The licence holder will ensure the HMP or CMP addresses and follows the management of carcasses and includes the following measures:

f) The collection, categorizing, recording, storage, and disposal of normal operational levels of fish carcasses, including:

i) The regular removal of carcasses to carcass storage containers;

ii) The categorizing and recording of mortality as outlined in Appendix E ;

iii) Bio‐security protocols or direction provided by fish health staff (defined in the licence);

iv) The secure location of stored carcasses while awaiting transfer to land‐based facilities;

v) The procedures to prevent leakage into entering receiving waters;

vi) The regular, secure, transfer of stored carcasses to land‐based facilities; and

vii) The methods to sanitize carcass storage containers, equipment and other handling facilities or vessels.

g) Procedures to record, contain and dispose of dead wild fish including documentation as per the current MFF COL; and

h) A mortality event procedure, which will include:

i) A notification to the Department of an initial mortality event as defined in Part A “Mortality Event” within 24 hours of discovery, providing as much detail as is known (refer to the current MFF COL for applicable appendix);

ii) Within 10 calendar days of the initial mortality event notification, submission to the Department of a summary report of the total biomass weight (kg), the average weight per carcass, the number of fish that died, the cause of the mortality event, and the percentage of the cultured population that died;

iii) Actions required to handle the additional biomass associated with a mortality event of the magnitude defined in Part A of the licence; and

iv) Use of identified vessels that will be used to collect and transport mortalities to on‐land facilities in the case of elevated mortality events.

E4 ESCAPE PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PLAN

Applicants intending to culture finfish in the marine environment shall submit to the Department an Escape Prevention and Response Plan. The plan should describe policies, procedures, physical structures, staff training, and other

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measures that will be employed to prevent and respond to escape events and will

be retained on site and in a location immediately available to all staff and for review by the Department.

Upon submission, the plan will be reviewed and appended to the licence for the site. Thereafter, any proposed amendments to the Escape Prevention and Response Plan must be submitted to the Department for consideration and response prior to use.

Reporting requirements of any escape are outlined in the current MFF COL. Appendix F provides a suggested outline of the Escape Prevention and Response Plan.

E5 CHEMICAL AND OTHER SUBSTANCES MANAGEMENT PLAN

An up‐to‐date Chemical and Other Substances Management Plan is required that outlines the management, handling and disposal of:

Therapeutants;

Disinfectants;

Pesticides;

Anti‐fouling agents;

Hydrocarbons; and

Blood.

E6 MARINE MAMMAL INTERACTION MANAGEMENT PLAN

Applicants intending to culture finfish in the marine environment shall submit to the Department a written Marine Mammal Interaction Management Plan. The plan should outline the physical structures, staff training, and procedures that will be employed to prevent and respond to marine mammal conflict and will be retained on site and in a location immediately available to all staff and for review by the Department.

Upon submission, the plan will be reviewed and appended to the licence for the site. Thereafter, any proposed amendments to the Marine Mammal Interaction Management Plan must be submitted to the Department for consideration and response prior to use.

Reporting requirements of Marine Mammal Interactions are outlined in the current MFF COL. Appendix G provides a suggested outline of the Marine Mammal Interaction Management Plan.

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PART IV – INFORMATION FOR TRANSPORT CANADA

SECTION A: SITING CONSIDERATIONS

Upon request, client may be requested to provide additional information.

SECTION B: ADDITIONAL TRANSPORT CANADA INFORMATION

1. Waterway Name:

The name of the water where the planned work is located must be included on the application. Both the official name and any local names should be noted. If the waterway has a very common name, e.g. Fish Lake, or any name which might be confused for another location, please add an identifier, e.g. “23 km west of Hwy 2 at 8th Line Rd”, or include clearly written directions to the site as one of your supporting documents.

Width (m) and c. Depth Range (m)

The width and depth can be roughly determined by using Google Earth, Topo Maps, Canadian Hydrographic Services (CHS) navigational charts or actual measurements. In charted waterways these measurements should be referred to a chart datum (the lowest normal tide) and on uncharted waterways it should be referenced at the normal or ordinary water level.

2. Nearest Community

If the proposed work is in an area that has not been surveyed, indicate the nearest community and provide the distance from the nearest kilometre post, if applicable.

3. Is this work Proposed, Existing or a Modification of an Existing Work, check one of the following:

Proposed If your work is a new proposal that has not yet been constructed or received an authorization under the Navigation Protection Act (NPA).

Existing If the work has been constructed but does not have an NPA authorization.

Modification If the work is for the rebuild, repair or alteration of work that has an NPA authorization.

4. Include the following:

Photographs Photographs can be very useful in determining the navigability of the waterway and the potential impacts of the works. If taking pictures of a waterway to assist the Navigation Protection Program (NPP) in making a determination, please include photographs that are representative of the waterway.

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PART V – INFORMATION FOR ALL AGENCIES

COMPLETE APPLICATIONS

Please ensure all applicable components of the application are completed. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

FEE SCHEDULE

Provincial fees are payable to Minister of Finance (cheque) or pay in person or via phone by credit card.

New site applications: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/land_tenures/documents/cabinet/fees‐land.pdf

Amendment applications and other miscellaneous fees: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/land_tenures/documents/cabinet/fees‐misc.pdf Refund policy: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/Land_Tenures/documents/policies/refund_policy.pdf

Note: Additional items may be required (e.g. Advertising, Security Deposit, Proof of insurance, Letter of Consent). Some items may have additional associated costs or require additional processing time.

At this time, there are no federal aquaculture application/licensing fees required.

USE OF INFORMATION

As the management of this fishery program is both a federal and provincial government responsibility, the information you provide may be subject to the following legislation: British Columbia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPP Act); the federal Access to Information Act; and the federal Privacy Act. The personal information collected by the Government of BC is collected under the authority of section 26 (c) of the FOIPP Act and will be used to process your application(s) and will be shared only with the necessary government agencies needed to provide you with the service that you have requested. If you have any questions regarding the handling of your personal information, please contact FrontCounter BC at 1‐877‐855‐3222 or by writing to Manager, Provincial Operations, FrontCounter BC at 441 Columbia Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2T3 and/or the Director, Access to Information and Privacy Secretariat at the Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Transport Canada.

The Province of British Columbia, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Transport Canada do not consider the information submitted in this form to be confidential unless it is subject to the privacy protection of the Freedom of Information and

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Protection of Privacy Act or the Access to Information Act. The information supplied will be used to review the applications under the BC Land Act, BC Fisheries Act (until such time as it is amended) Federal Fisheries Act and the Navigation Protection Act and information will be shared amongst the other agencies, First Nations and/or with the public.

APPLICANT SIGNATURE(S)

All applicants must sign and date the application. If the signature is by an authorized representative, please supply a letter granting authorization to act on behalf of the applicant.

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APPENDIX A – METES AND BOUNDS INSTRUCTIONS

AND CREATING AN AREA OF INTEREST

Instructions for Providing a Metes and Bounds Description for an Aquaculture Tenure Application:

A Metes and Bounds Description is a method of describing the location of a parcel of land by beginning at a well defined point (Point of Commencement) and following the boundaries in a clockwise direction. Distances (Metes) and directions (Bounds) are provides around the tract, back to the Point of Commencement.

The Point of Commencement (POC) should be referenced from the corner of a land‐based surveyed lot. However, if the location of your parcel of interest is too remote and there are no surveyed upland parcels in the vicinity, then the POC can be referenced to the GPS coordinates of one of the corners of the parcel of interest.

When describing the boundaries, distances should be shown in Metres and directions in True Compass Degrees.

Instructions to Create an Area of Interest Spatial File

The following basic instructions describe how one goes about using the tools within iMapBC – Public Version to create a spatial file for an area of interest.

Open iMapBC at http://maps.gov.bc.ca/ess/sv/imapbc/. The iMapBC Tool menu will look something like this.

Note: If the iMapBC Tool Bar is hidden, click on the Wrench / Screwdriver tool to activate.

Locating the area of interest

To locate the area of interest, click on the Navigation folder and use one of the following tools.

1) Search for Map features (upper right corner of iMapBC application)

Click on the down arrow next to the magnifying glass and select the option that best meets your needs i.e. Location by Place Name.

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Enter in a geographic area name and then click on the magnifying glass to view the results of the search on the left side of the screen. Click on the appropriate search result to go to the area of interest.

2) Zoom to Coordinates (Albers, Lat/Long or UTM)

The geographical coordinates are then entered in the table on the left side of the screen

i.e.

3) Zoom In Tool

Set the Map Scale to 1:5,000 if the map is not already so. The location of the map can then be centred using the Pan tool.

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Adding Base Map Layers

Click on the Add DataBC Layer Menu to open up the Layer Catalog. Scroll down the list to the Base Maps folder and click the “+” to expand the folder. Select the relevant base map data layers to display in iMap. The recommended layers under the sub folder of Base Mapping (1:20,000) to add are

Water – Rivers, Creeks, Shorelines, etc. (1:20,000)

Water – Ocean – Outlined (1:20,000)

Water – Ocean –Coloured Filled (1:20,000)

Click OK when done

Adding Existing Crown Tenure Layers

Click on the Add DataBC Layer Menu to open up the Layer Catalog. Scroll down the list to the Land Ownership and Status folder and click the “+” to expand the folder. Scroll down to the Crown Tenures by Purpose – Tantalis sub folder and select both datasets within by clicking inside the box.

This will allow the proponent to see if their proposed area of interest is overlapping with any existing tenures or applications.

Click OK when done

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Selecting a Cadastral Base to reference

Whenever possible, the mapped area should be referenced to the Land Act Survey Parcel. If that data is not available, then the next cadastral base to reference is the Integrated Cadastral Fabric (ICF). As a last resort if ICF is not available is to use the TRIM (Terrain Resource Information Management) water mapping. This is the layer that was added as part of the base map reference step conducted earlier. This is distinguished by a dark blue polylines on the web map.

To add the required cadastral base to reference your POC, click the Maps & Data Sources Folder to show the available tools

Click Add DataBC layers tool to see the Layer catalog. Double click on the Land Ownership and Status subfolder to see the list of data sets available in this category. Click on the + button to open up the listing of subset data within. Example

Click on the Land Act Survey Parcels – Tantalis folder to expand the available options. Place tick mark in the blank boxes next to the Land Act Survey Parcels – Tantalis – Outlined layer and the Land Act Primary Parcel – Tantalis – Coloured Filled layer by clicking the left button on the mouse. Click the OK button when complete.

If the Land Act Survey Parcels are insufficient or absent, then click on the Integrated Cadastral Folder and select the contents within.

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The Outlined layer is the key layer to use. The remaining three are useful if one needs to determine the Ownerships status of a particular parcel. Click the OK button when complete.

Creating an Area of Interest polygon

Select the Markup tool bar to open up the folder of tools

Click on the Polygon shape to start its drawing function. Select the starting location on the map and then click the right mouse button, go to the next point and click the button again, repeating until all points have been captured. Double click at the last location to close shape.

If the shape needs to be adjusted i.e. move a vertex, click on the Edit Drawing tool and then click on shape to be edited. This will go into Edit mode and place an edit box around the shape. The vertices will have little white boxes. These can be repositioned as needed by placing the pointer inside the white box and holding down the left mouse button. Additional vertices can be added. If the pointer is placed over the shape edge, a little circle will appear on the shapes’ edge. By holding the left button down, a small square box will appear and by dragging it will allow the creation of a new vertex.

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Creating a GIS Shape File

A GIS Shape File can be created from the shape created in the Markup. All that is required is to click the Download Markup tool.

This tool will automatically create a Polygon Shape File and have it compressed as a Zip File. The following screen will be displayed.

Click on Download to get to the Download Screen

Click on Save button and maneuver to the folder in which the zip file is to be saved and then click Save to save it.

Below is a sample of the contents in the zip file.

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For more information regarding the iMapBC internet mapping application and specific tools within iMapBC,

click on the Help icon (immediate right of the Search Bar).

See Appendix A‐1 for a map showing a sample Metes and Bounds Description that was completed using iMap.

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•••

Government of Canada

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APPENDIX B-5- HABITAT MAP

Note: Habitat maps must include all characteristics listed in Part 1: GeneralInformation,Section C: Maps and Diagrams

and all information detailed in the Marine Fish Habitat Information Requirements (HIR) for Finfish Aquaculture Projects.

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••• Government Gouvemament

of Canada du Canada

APPENDIX B-6A- STRUCTURAL AMENDMENTS DIAGRAM

GUIDE TO THE PACIFIC MARINE FINFISH AQUACULTURE APPLICATION EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 31,2014 Appendices} Page 58 of 136

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••• Government Gouvemament

of Canada du Canada

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APPENDIX C – DFO MARINE FISH HABITAT INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS (HIR)

DFO Marine Fish Habitat Information Requirements (HIR) for Finfish Aquaculture Projects

This is a working document and will be subject to change over time.

This document pertains only to new or amended Aquaculture Licence Applications for which DEPOMOD can be applied.

Introduction Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is responsible for the protection and management of fish and fish habitat under the authority of the federal Fisheries Act and the Pacific Aquaculture Regulations. Like other types of industrial development taking place in and around water, finfish aquaculture projects have the potential to affect fish1 and fish habitat2. In order for DFO to determine whether or not a site is an appropriate location for a finfish farm, management plans, specifications and habitat information must be submitted.

This document provides general guidance for proponents regarding basic information required to assess the marine species and fish habitat characteristics present in a proposed or existing finfish tenure area. This information will provide the basis for DFO to conduct habitat reviews as per current decision making framework. DFO will review the habitat information submitted to assess whether or not a proposed farm is likely to result in acceptable disruption of fish habitat. The proponent should employ all feasible mitigation measures with the intent of minimizing the spatial area impacted by the deposition of waste food and feces. After all mitigation measures have been explored by the company, DFO will determine if it is appropriate to licence the site. Habitat impacts are just one element considered by DFO in licensing decisions.

It is important to note that the proposed facility and mitigation measures are assessed in conjunction with the results of the habitat surveys and the DEPOMOD dispersion modelling in order to assess potential impacts to fish or fish habitat.

If significant deviations from the recommended sampling approaches described below are necessary, proponents should discuss their sampling plans with DFO prior to conducting the survey. Inappropriate or inadequate sampling may result in rejection of the report.

A qualified professional must carry out the habitat assessment sampling survey and reporting.

1 shellfish, crustaceans, marine animals and any parts of shellfish, crustaceans or marine animals, and the eggs, sperm, spawn, larvae, spat and juvenile stages of fish, shellfish, crustaceans and marine animals; 2 spawning grounds and nursery, rearing, food supply and migration areas on which fish depend directly or indirectly in order to carry out their life processes

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Process to determine what (if any) Habitat Assessment Surveys are required by DFO for your site:

STEP 1:

Apply the aquaculture waste model DEPOMOD at the proposed operation using the methodology and generic default settings as prescribed in the DEPOMOD Canada (Pacific Region) – Methods and Settings v2.0 (appended) ‐ (see Section 1: DEPOMOD below).

STEP 2:

Does the maximum predicted flux exceed 5gC m2/day (based on maximum feed rate)? • No ‐ Go to STEP 3 • Yes ‐ Go to STEP 4

STEP 3:

Does the maximum predicted flux exceed 1gC m2/day (based on maximum feed rate)? • No ‐ only Sediment Sampling is required for submission (see Section 4). • Yes ‐ Does the area where the predicted flux exceeds 1gC m2/day overlay an area of

seabed that is less than 30m (chart datum) depth? o No – only Sediment Sampling results required for submission (see Section 4). o

Yes – Intertidal and Shallow Subtidal Habitat components of the HIR surveys required with application (see Section 2) along with Sediment Sampling

(see Section 4).

STEP 4:

Does the area where the predicted flux exceeds 1gC m2/day (based on maximum feed rate) overlay an area of seabed that is less than 30m (chart datum) depth? • No – Benthic Survey and Sediment Sampling components of the HIR survey required with

application (see Section 3). • Yes – Full HIR survey required with application (see below).

See next page for flowchart version of above steps.

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Flux ≥ 5gC * based on max production

No Yes

Flux ≥ 1gC m2/day*? Area ≥1gC m2/day* overlays the 30m depth contour?

No Yes

Area ≥1gC m2/day overlays the 30m depth

contour?

No

Benthic Survey and

Yes Full HIR

No Yes

Sediment Sampling**

Sediment Sampling Only**

Intertidal, Subtidal & Sediment Sampling**

** New sites require reference

station data in all cases

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HIR Survey General Information:

Proponents must be aware that depending upon results obtained from this habitat assessment procedure, they may be required to provide more detailed information so that DFO can further evaluate specific habitat issues and/or species occurrences that are observed.

Tidal Height/Water Depth:

The lowest normal tide (0.0m), or chart datum, will be used as the reference point for the measurement of tidal height and water depth. Tidal height is recorded as positive relative to chart datum, while water depth below chart datum will be recorded as a negative value (e.g. if the assessment is made when the tide is at 2.0m, and a record is taken at a water depth of 8.0m, then the depth will be recorded as –6m). Tidal height should be corrected using the closest secondary port found in the Canadian Tide and Current Tables, with further correction made for daylight savings time as required.

Acceptable Sampling Season:

The Intertidal and Shallow Subtidal Habitat surveys as well as the Critical or Sensitive Habitat surveys as required (see Section 2c) must be conducted during the productive spring/summer periods when macrophytes, bivalve shows, abalone and rockfish species etc. are more readily identifiable (I.e. May through September ‐ exception being lingcod egg mass surveys which must be conducted during February). Intertidal and Shallow Subtidal sampling outside of the recommended timeframe may result in the rejection of the data.

If underwater visibility is a problem, appropriate tidal levels and midday lighting conditions are recommended. See specific sections for further details regarding acceptable sampling times.

It is also recommended to conduct all other surveys within the productive spring/summer periods. However, it may be possible to conduct the Deep Water ROV survey outside of this time frame if the location of the ROV transects is deeper than 70m. However, companies choosing to conduct Deep Water ROV (when the site is deeper than 70 m) outside the recommended timing window must be prepared to conduct additional sampling in the spring/summer if necessary.

Section 1. DEPOMOD Purpose:

The aquaculture waste model DEPOMOD is a cost effective management tool that predicts the potential extent and severity of impact of aquaculture operations on their proximal benthic environment. The model allows testing of different scenarios involving farm location, net pen orientation and production levels to minimize the extent of impacts to sensitive habitats and to explore options to reduce the area of impact by the proponent and/or DFO.

How DFO Uses this Information: 1. The predicted DEPOMOD footprint, in conjunction with the results from the physical and

biological assessments, will assist with siting farms away from critical and sensitive habitats.

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2. Once siting is acceptable, the predicted footprint modelled at 5gC m2/day (based on maximum feeding rate) is used to help assess level of risk to the site and any potential site specific licence conditions that may be required.

The area enclosed by the 5gC m2/day contour may require compensation.

Following a precautionary approach to management, aquaculture operations should avoid being sited in areas where a flux of 1gC m2/day is predicted to overlay sensitive, important, or critical habitats.

3. Should the aquaculture operation become licensed, conditions that may apply include: • Providing and monitoring compensatory habitat based on the predicted area of the

5gC m2/day flux (based on average feeding rate). • Benthic monitoring will be required as licensed. • Effectiveness or operational monitoring and reporting based on the results of the

various surveys and the area of seabed that the 1gC m2/day flux covers (generated with maximum feeding rate).

Recommended Methods:

Please refer to Appendix C‐1 for DEPOMOD Methods and Settings.

Section 2. Intertidal and Shallow Subtidal Habitat Surveys

2. a) Near Shore Swim – SCUBA,Snorkel or ROV Assessment Area:

Foreshore of entire tenure. Purpose:

The purpose of this survey is to obtain a qualitative assessment (i.e. overview or general assessment) of the physical and biological characteristics of fish and fish habitat within the near shore portion of the tenure. The near shore swim provides detailed continuous information on both subtidal and lower intertidal habitats. The video footage produced as a result of this survey, along with the accompanying information, will guide the proponent to determine the number of, and appropriate location for, transects required in the Foreshore Transect Survey (see Section 2b) as well as to identify if additional surveys for any Critical or Sensitive Habitat will be required (see Section 2c).

How DFO uses this information: 1. The habitat and physical characteristics identified as a result of this survey will

allow the reviewer to get an overview of any existing anthropogenic impacts and provide an overall qualitative indication of the general productivity of the near shore environment.

2. The information provided by this survey will also act as a check system for DFO with respect to foreshore transect placement and presence of critical or sensitive habitat in the near shore areas.

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Recommended Methods: It is important to collect information such as habitat types, presence of organisms and macrophytes. Particular attention must be paid to identifying the presence of critical or sensitive habitats (for instance, abalone can be easily overlooked). Emphasis should be placed on depths between 0 and 10 metres, and a “zigzag” swim pattern is recommended. Habitat observations should be recorded throughout the swim and significant changes in habitat types noted (as well as their depths). A qualitative visual assessment should be made as to the presence and relative abundance of fauna, macrophytes and predominant substrate type. The following substrate size classification system should be used:

Bedrock Boulder > 256 mm Cobble 64‐ 256 mm Pebble/Gravel 2‐64 mm Sand 0.0625 ‐ 2 mm Silt/Mud/Clay < .0625 mm Shell Hash (shell fragments/fines) >2 mm

Organic Debris (specify: wood debris, etc.)

Observations must be summarized in a tabular Species List which should include abundance, common and scientific names of flora and fauna, predominant substrates, depths of any observed, sensitive or critical habitats and comments regarding general habitat characteristics. The Species List is not meant to be a comprehensive inventory of every plant and animal inhabiting the survey area. However, every effort must be made to identify all easily observable macrophytes and animals to species level (or at least family level). When unidentifiable species are observed it is acceptable to report them as “unidentified sponge #1”, for example, and a description should be provided.

Video footage: See Section 2b ‐ Foreshore Transects Recommended Methods Videography.

Note: If Critical or Sensitive Habitat or Abalone (Appendix C‐2) are observed during the Nearshore Swim survey, the depth and substrate must be recorded in the Species List. The location of the Critical or Sensitive Habitat or Abalone must be accurately identified on the Habitat Map.

2. b) Foreshore Transects

Assessment Area:

Foreshore of entire tenure.

Purpose:

The purpose of this survey is to obtain a qualitative assessment (i.e. overview or general assessment) of the physical and biological characteristics of fish and fish habitat within the near shore portion of the tenure. The results of this survey will expand upon the information gained from Nearshore Swim Survey. Critical or Sensitive

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Habitats (see Appendix C‐2), Northern Abalone (or other Species at Risk) or unique habitats within the foreshore area must be identified.

How DFO uses this information:

1. The foreshore transect survey will be used to assess the general productivity of the intertidal and shallow subtidal portions of the site by providing a qualitative indication of the physical and biological characteristics of fish and fish habitat.

2. Physical (including past anthropogenic impacts) and biological characteristics and proposed mitigation measures will be considered by DFO to assess if licence issuance is possible and if monitoring of sensitive habitat will be required.

3. The results of the Foreshore Transect Survey will help identify and locate critical or sensitive habitats or Species at Risk for the purpose of developing appropriate mitigation measures and to ensure the appropriate quantative surveys are conducted (see Appendix C‐2).

Recommended Methods

Please follow the guidelines below when conducting foreshore transects:

• Transect positioning: Transects must cover the region between the highest high water mark (HHWM) and 30 m of depth (or as deep as is safely and operationally possible). Transects should be established perpendicular to the shoreline. As general habitat types (i.e. predominant substrate types) will have been determined during the near shore swim survey, transects must be spaced such that all habitat types present are proportionally represented.

• Number of transects: A minimum of ten transects should be surveyed. If less than ten transects are submitted, the number must be justified in the supporting documents.

• Transect particulars: Transects should be individually numbered (and correspondingly labelled on the video and map), with the commencement and termination points of all transects referenced by differential Global Positioning System GPS (dGPS). A professional GPS that facilitates both real‐time (RT) differential corrections and post‐processed (PP) differential corrections must be used.

• For ROV methods refer to Section 3: Benthic ROV Surveys – Recommended Methods.

• SCUBA: Marker buoys may be used to identify or navigate to transect start and end points. Report the transect segment commencement and termination position as a (PP or RT) corrected dGPS coordinate. Do not submit uncorrected GPS positions. The transect line (lead line) should be demarcated every metre with tags every 5m indicating distance from zero. All slack must be removed from the transect line and the transect line laid in a straight line.

• Videography: Each transect is to be filmed by a scuba diver via a diver‐held video camera. The depth should periodically be recorded (i.e. every 5 m) on the video by holding the diver depth gauge up to the camera. The video must

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be clear and focused. It is recommended that the hand held camera should be kept at an appropriate distance from the substrate and swimming speed should be reasonably slow such that the species encountered are clear and identifiable. The diver operating the video camera should ensure that some overall wider view shots are taken of adjacent areas. Supplementary lighting may be required.

• Observations: General habitat observations must be recorded along the entire transect. Observations should include predominant substrate types (see Section 2a for substrate size classification system) and estimated coverage of marine plants, algae and sessile animals, motile animals and other features (i.e. debris, Beggiatoa‐like species).

• Reporting: The information collected should be recorded in a tabular Species List for each transect. The species list must include the above listed information as well as the dGPS coordinates of the transects, the transect numbers, the depth reading at every 5m along the transect and the transect heading. The location of the transects must be recorded on the Habitat Map and in the supporting document. A Depth Profile (Appendix C‐4) must be submitted for each transect.

If any of the critical or sensitive habitats (see definition below) are observed during the required surveys, a more detailed survey (specific to that particular habitat/species)is required if defined(see Section 2 c).

2. c) Critical or Sensitive Habitats For the purpose of this document critical habitats are defined as anadromous spawning areas, kelp beds, eelgrass beds, lingcod spawning habitats (in 30 metres of water or less), herring spawning areas and abalone habitat.

For the purpose of this document sensitive habitat is defined as anadromous rearing areas, rockfish rearing/nursery areas, shellfish beds, unique features and glass sponge complexes.

Refer to Appendix C‐2 for the Survey Protocols for Critical and Sensitive Habitat.

Assessment Area: The assessment area for these surveys will vary with respect to the habitat or species you are surveying for. Please refer to Appendix C‐2.

Purpose of Survey:

These habitats require additional consideration to ensure an appropriate level of management. In order to assess the extent (location and size) of the habitats and/or abundance of species, Critical or Sensitive Habitat Surveys will be required.

How DFO uses this information:

1. The results of the assessment will describe the spatial extent of the habitat in question or give an abundance estimate so that DFO can determine if additional mitigation measures are required.

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2. The results of the assessment may be referred to DFO–Science for advice on the potential for negative impacts, following which DFO will determine if the impacts can be mitigated and what monitoring methods may be applicable.

Please Note – Abalone and Lingcod Survey triggers: ● Abalone Surveys are to take place if suitable abalone habitat exists and if abalone are noted (trigger

level = 1 individual) during any of the above required surveys. ● Lingcod egg mass surveys are to occur if, within the proposed tenure, there is suitable spawning

habitat in less than 30 m of depth, lingcod are observed and if the 1gC m2/day flux (based on maximum feeding rate) overlays the 30 m depth contour.

Section 3. Benthic ROV Surveys

Assessment Area: ROV video surveying of the seabed is required in the area that is encompassed by the 1gC m2/day flux (based on maximum feeding rate) of the proposed cage arrays, and if the locations are known, at the proposed compliance monitoring stations where operational monitoring will occur. For new sites, the survey should extend at least 200m on either side of the proposed cage array, unless the 1gC m2/day flux extends further. Depending on what is observed during the course of this survey, it may be in the best interest of the company to survey the area immediately adjacent to the area of the sea bed that is encompassed by the 1gC m2/day flux for the purpose of locating less sensitive areas and also to allow the company the option of shifting pens in the future.

For new sites, two reference stations must also be chosen, based on acceptable criterion, for video data collection.

Purpose:

The purpose of this survey is to collect information to identify the physical habitat characteristics and the flora and fauna living in the deeper portions of the tenure. There are several goals of the sampling, namely:

1. To provide a qualitative indication of the biological productivity contained within the deeper area of the proposed tenure.

2. To characterize the physical substrate in terms of sediment size (see Section 2a for sediment size classification system) and topography.

3. To determine whether any sensitive habitats are present.

4. To identify the presence of any existing anthropogenic impacts (e.g. wood debris, litter etc.).

5. The reference station data is meant to represent the existing environment at the proposed site, and act as a reference for future impact.

6. The identification of areas where sediment grab samples can be obtained and areas where video must be generated during operational monitoring.

7. The collection of physical and biological information that can be compared with data collected during operational monitoring.

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How DFO Uses this Information: 1. The underwater footage will be used to assess the general productivity of the deepwater

portions of the site and reference stations by providing a qualitative indication (i.e. general overview) of the physical and biological characteristics of fish and fish habitat.

2. Information obtained about the substrate types will be used to provide an indication on whether the proposed site has depositional tendencies and to identify if there are portions of the tenure where deposition is likely to occur (e.g. pockets of fine silt substrate, Beggiatoa‐like species).

3. Data collected from the deepwater areas will also be used to identify whether any important species or habitats are present and to determine their location for the purpose of planning and designing a quantitative survey (e.g., deepwater bivalve beds, unique habitats or sponge complexes).

4. This video will serve to identify if any existing impacts occur at the site, including the type and amount of impact present.

Recommended Methods: Data collection and generation is to occur during the spring and summer months of the year. Exceptions may be made in deep water environments where appropriate.

An underwater video survey is required to assess the habitat encompassed within the 1gC m2/day flux zone (based on maximum feeding rate). An ROV or forward‐facing towed drop camera can be used. Transects must be spaced such that all habitat types (i.e. bedrock, mud, shell hash etc.) present within the 1gC m2/day flux zone are proportionally represented, and may be parallel and/or perpendicular to shore. Efforts should be focused on identifying presence/absence of sensitive habitats since these may require additional surveying. The number of transects conducted and their placement must be justified in the supporting documents.

Each reference stations must have a video transect at least 100m in length.

Transects should be individually numbered (and correspondingly labelled on the video), with the commencement and termination points of all transects. Use a professional Global Positioning System (GPS) that facilitates both real‐time (RT) differential corrections and post‐ processed (PP) differential corrections. Report the transect segment start position as a (PP or RT) corrected dGPS coordinate. If available, use of an acoustic positioning system is encouraged to map the ROV flight. If an acoustic positioning system is not available, marker buoys may be used to navigate to transect start points. A professional GPS with the positioning software should be used. If this is not available, report alternate positioning methodology and identify where uncorrected positions are used.

The methodology for video monitoring is outlined in the Benthic Monitoring Protocols in the Marine Finfish Aquaculture Licence. Appropriate measures must be taken to ensure that the camera is well‐controlled under water. A way to determine scale must be visible during the survey (i.e. mounted bar of known size or laser points). The camera speed over ground, orientation of the camera, distance from the substrate and lighting should be suitable for viewing the biota and should be as consistent as possible throughout the survey. The ROV should not be operated in reverse (or the towed camera towed in reverse) as this could cause certain fish species and retractable species to be missed. An exception would be during the filming of steep rock walls where it is more practical to face the wall as the camera descends in

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depth. The camera operator should use his/her discretion regarding the need to stop and zoom in for identification purposes or to pan about for overview shots.

A Species List must be compiled and submitted along with the video footage and accompanying text. The species list would include comments on predominant substrate types, abundance, common and Latin names of fauna, general habitat observations as well as the depth, heading, and other observations (wood debris or Beggiatoa‐like species). The locations of transects and habitat information generated during these transects must be included on the Habitat Map.

See Final Report section for further information regarding video requirements.

Section 4. Sediment Sampling

Assessment Area: Sediment sampling is required in the predicted footprint(s) of the proposed cage arrays, and if the locations are known, at the proposed compliance monitoring stations where operational monitoring will occur. For soft ocean bottom substrates, this is the area under the proposed cages and extending out 125m from cage edge, following the dominant and sub‐dominant current directions. For hard ocean bottoms, this is the area under the proposed cages and extending 140m or more from cage edge, following the dominant and sub‐dominant current directions. If operational compliance monitoring locations are not known at the time of baseline sediment sampling, data will be accepted from reasonably close locations. However, the Proponent must be prepared to conduct additional sampling once the site infrastructure has been anchored if directed by DFO.

For new sites, two reference stations must also be chosen, based on acceptable criterion, for sediment sampling.

Purpose:

To determine the nature of substrates that may receive deposition from farm operations, and conduct sampling to characterize existing sediments and habitats. The following information must be submitted:

1. Description of bathymetry and topography.

2. Identification of areas where sediment grab samples can be obtained and areas where video must be generated during operational monitoring.

3. Physical, chemical, and biological information to be compared with data collected during operational monitoring.

How DFO uses this information:

1. To analyze existing sediments as a baseline of the environment prior to any impact, to which future results can be compared to. If impact already exists, that can also be identified at this time.

2. To determine what substrate types exist, as hard or soft substrates can be classified at this time to guide operational monitoring. Areas where deposition could accumulate may be identified at this time.

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3. Sediment observations and analysis will help assess the general productivity of the site by providing a quantitative indication of the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of the benthic habitat.

Recommended Methods:

The methodology for sediment sampling and biological sampling are outlined in the Benthic Monitoring Protocols in the Marine Finfish Aquaculture Licence Conditions.

Data collection and generation is to occur during the spring and summer months of the year. Exceptions may be made in deep water environments where appropriate.

Within each predicted footprint and at each reference station, obtain a minimum of 3 grab samples per sediment type (cobble, pebble, sand, fine sand/mud or shell hash) as possible. A minimum of five attempts to obtain sediment samples at each identified sampling location must occur, and documentation of failed attempts should be reported. If the locations are known, obtain samples from the probable facility sampling stations as well. Each sample is to be analyzed for physical, chemical and biological parameters as follows:

1. Physical parameters including colour, odour, texture, gas bubbles, flocculent organic matter, Opportunistic Polychaete Complexes (OPC), Beggiatoa‐like species, fish feed, fish feces, macrophytes, macrofauna, terrigenous material and farm litter; and

2. Chemical parameters including free sulphides, redox potential, total volatile solids, sediment grain size and/or percent moisture, total metals package; and

3. Biological samples in which biota is taxonomically identified to at least the level of family with all major taxa identified to the level of species, and counted.

Final Report

All final reports must include the sections below that are applicable according to the HIR steps or flowchart noted previously within this Appendix:

1) DEPOMOD Results (required for all proposed sites): a) Contour plot of the farm’s footprint based on maximum feeding rate; b) Contour plot of the farm’s footprint based on average feeding rate; c) Carbon flux area summary table; d) Site information summary table; e) All Reporting of Results and Data Products as described in Appendix C‐1.

2) Maps: Please note that all maps (Appendices B‐1 though B‐5) must be done to scale (it is understood that the mapping of substrate and macrophytes will be a professional estimate). a) One Site Location Map 1:50,000 b) One Base Map showing:

i) Tenure area boundaries; ii) Depth contours; iii) Operational infrastructure; iv) Current directions;

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v) Current meter deployment locations c) One Habitat Map showing:

i) Tenure area boundaries; ii) Depth contours; iii) Operational infrastructure; iv) All transect locations (including ROV transects); v) Sediment sampling locations; Current meter location; 1 and 5 g DEPOMOD contours from max feed rate; vi) Results of the various required surveys (i.e. substrate types plus the location

and extent of any critical or sensitive habitat).vii) DEPOMOD predicted footprint at maximum feeding rate (including only the 1 g and 5 g C/m2/day contour lines)

Please note: The DEPOMOD contour plots, Base Map and the Habitat Map must be as detailed as possible and of the same scale. A scale of 1:5,000 ‐1:10,000 is recommended depending on the tenure size.

3) Intertidal and Shallow Subtidal Habitat surveys

a) Near shore swim video plus accompanying text and Species List; b) Foreshore transects video (max. number of 10 transects) plus accompanying text,

Species List and Depth Profiles. c) Important Species or Habitats Surveys (if applicable).

i) See Appendix C‐2.

4) Benthic ROV surveys a) Video, accompanying text and Species List.

5) Sediment Sampling a) Sampling results; physical, chemical and biological data

6) Videos: Underwater videos are essential as they provide a real‐time record of the fish habitat characteristics of the site and can be used to assess future impacts based on site monitoring. Videos must be unedited and labeled. The video footage must be referenced with site specific information (transect number, time, date, depth, heading etc.) for later analysis. A written or recorded interpretation must accompany the video. The dGPS coordinates of the transect start and end points must be included. CD or DVD format is preferred. Unlabelled videos and/or videos with inadequate reference information will not be accepted.

Prior to submission, please ensure reports are complete and of a professional nature.

If you have any questions regarding the above information requirements please contact Kerra Shaw, Senior Aquaculture Biologist at (250) 203‐0097.

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APPENDIX C‐1 – DEPOMOD CANADA, METHODS AND SETTINGS V1.6

Dario Stucchi and Jon Chamberlain Institute of Ocean Sciences Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Introduction

This document details the methodology and generic default settings to be used when applying the aquaculture waste model DEPOMOD to simulate the spatial distribution of wastes from Atlantic Salmon finfish farms in Pacific Region. Reporting requirements for the simulations are also outlined. Detailed modelling recommendations, procedures and guidance are appended. Since the release of ‘Methods and Settings v1.6’ in summer 2004, there have been significant advances in DEPOMOD testing and validation. The results of this work were presented at the DFO National Peer Review meeting ‘Aquaculture –Environment Interactions: Scientific Advice for Finfish Cage Aquaculture in the Marine Environment’ held at IOS, Sidney in February 2005. A peer reviewed report on this work, entitled ‘The suitability of DEPOMOD for use in the management of finfish aquaculture, with particular reference to Pacific Region’ (Chamberlain et al., 2005), has been accepted by the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) of Fisheries and Oceans Canada1.

The outcomes of these review processes were a series of science advice recommendations and conclusions to DFO’s habitat management, published in a CSAS Habitat Status Report (DFO, 2005)1. Within this Habitat Status Report were recommendations to amend the methodology and generic default settings of DEPOMOD for predicting the effect of organic enrichment on proximal seabed conditions. This Methods and Settings v2.0 document details these amendments and methodologies on how DEPOMOD should be applied at aquaculture sites in Pacific Region.

The main amendment to the methodologies is that resuspension process, as modelled by the DEPOMOD resuspension module, should not be simulated when predicting the effects of organic loading on proximal seabed conditions. Further research is required to validate critical resuspension thresholds of aquaculture wastes and assess the relative importance of resuspension processes on the nature and scale of effects of predicted carbon flux on benthic geochemistry and community composition.

DEPOMOD Background

DEPOMOD was developed at the Scottish Association for Marine Science, Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory, Oban, Scotland. It was designed to be used by industry, consultants and the regulatory agencies as an objective aid or tool to assist in assessing the potential impact of aquaculture operations on the surrounding benthic environment. The model allows pre‐ (and in‐) operation simulations of the flux of waste material from cage to seabed ‐ predicting the nature and extent of benthic perturbation.

1At the time of release of Methods and Settings v2.0, these publications had been accepted by the CSAS and were awaiting posting on the DFO‐CSAS website: http://www.dfo‐mpo.gc.ca/csas/csas/Publications/Pub_Index_e.htm

There are currently four versions of DEPOMOD available: • DEPOMOD v1.5: This version is capable of predicting solids impacts and chemical residues that are released from

the farm sites in a single dose. • DEPOMOD v2.0 (v2.2): As v1.5 but with the capability to simulate a linear and nonlinear time varying discharge.

The decay of the released material on the benthos can also be simulated. This version is the most flexible of all versions available.

• AutoDEPOMOD 1.0.1 (incorporating DEPOMOD v3.0): This automated version of DEPOMOD was specifically designed for use in the simulation of chemo‐therapeutants and the subsequent calculation of consent quantities. The values and methods used in this version apply to UK regulations only.

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• AutoDEPOMOD v2.0 (incorporating DEPOMOD v3.0): This is a further development of AutoDEPOMOD v1.0.1 and incorporates both capability to set consents for sea lice treatment chemicals and maximum biomass. The values and methods used in this version apply to UK regulations only.

DEPOMOD predicts the solids deposition on the seabed arising from fish farms and associated changes in the benthic community structure. The overall model has a structure made up of the following components:

• Grid Generation • Growth and Biomass • Particle Tracking • Resuspension • Benthic Response

The Grid Generation module allows the user to set up a grid containing information on bathymetry, cage, current meter and sampling station positions for the area of interest. Feeding rates over the production cycle may be determined using the Growth and Biomass module. Given information on production/feeding parameters, wastage rates of fish food and the hydrodynamics of the near‐field area, the initial deposition of particles on the sea bed are predicted in the Particle Tracking module. The particles used in the model are assigned values that describe them in terms of ‘solids’ or ‘carbon’. The Resuspension module then redistributes articles according to near‐bed current flow fields to predict both the net solids accumulated on the seabed and overall flux of material to the seabed, within the gridded area2. From quantitative relationships between benthic community descriptors and solids accumulations, predictions of the level of benthic community impact can be undertaken in the Benthic Response module, given sufficient information on the fish farm3. All of the above processes have been successfully validated and reported in peer‐reviewed scientific literature –Cromey et al. (2002 a and b) provide complete details on the models and field validation experiments. Further information on the model processes are detailed below.

The output of the model is generally presented in the form of a ‘footprint of deposition’ which describes the areal distribution of wastes on the seabed around the farm site. Predictions of the ‘footprint’ of farm wastes (represented as either total solids or organic carbon) may be output as total accumulation over a specified time period or as a flux.

It should always be borne in mind that the results obtained must be evaluated with regard to the capabilities and limitations of the model. There may be occasions when the methods and procedures described within this document cannot adequately predict the distribution of wastes on the sea bed. In some cases, subjective judgement may be needed to justify model results.

2Simulation of resuspension processes using DEPOMOD RESUS module is NOT applied when predicting the effect of organic loading on seabed conditions. This is included for information purposes only. 3The benthic response module validation is applicable to Scottish waters only. Further validation is required for used in Pacific Region waters. This is included for information purposes only.

Modelling Strategy – Pacific Region

Two scenarios for the farm operation should be simulated, both using organic carbon as the output parameter. The first model simulation is based on the maximum daily feed rate for the grow‐out period. The second simulation is based on the average feeding rate over the grow‐out period.

The maximum daily feed rate simulation is considered to represent the “worst case” scenario because waste production is at a maximum for the farm site. The value of the maximum daily feed rate used for this simulation should be obtained from the operator or the farm’s Aquaculture Management Plan. It should be equivalent to the maximum instantaneous daily food input for the permitted biomass production of the farm site.

The second simulation is considered to represent the waste flux averaged over the grow‐out period and provides a longer term estimate of waste flux to the seabed. The average waste flux is calculated using the total feed budget for the grow‐out period and the duration of the grow‐out period as detailed in the farm’s management plan.

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Model Details, Requirements and Settings

Grid Generation Module

The first step in preparation for running the model is the creation of a bathymetric grid for the site in the ‘GRIDGEN’ module. The model requires data on the bathymetry of the area around the farm site. This information is obtained from external sources and input into the model as regularly spaced depth data into a file known as the MAJOR grid. From this information, the model then creates a MINOR grid through linear interpolation of the data at a user defined resolution. It is on the MINOR grid that all model calculations are performed.

The data used in the creation of the MAJOR grid may be obtained from a variety of sources. It is considered that the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) navigational charts generally lack the detail and accuracy near the coastline to be useful in the modelling process. Instead, it is recommended that CHS field sheets be used, as they have greater resolution and contain many more depth soundings (especially near the shore) than the CHS navigational charts. [Paper copies of the CHS field sheets may be purchased from CHS Chart Distributions office at the Institute of Ocean Sciences, Sidney, B.C.]. If the farm operator has undertaken a detailed bathymetric survey of the site, then the data from this survey will likely be densely spaced and provide the best available information from which to create a bathymetric grid. If data from a high resolution bathymetric survey are used in the model, all data should be corrected to Chart Datum. A brief report on the methods and instrumentation used along with calibration documentation should be provided.

Determination of model domain

Fish cage groups are typically 150m to 250m long. To allow for a tidal inequality in the residual flow, the deposition footprint may be offset by 100m (if not further). Thus a minimum model domain might be in the order of 500m in length. A standard grid of twice this distance (1km x 1km centred on the cage group) should been adopted in order that predictions can be made of waste deposition further afield due to particles at the slowest end of the settling velocity distribution.

Additionally, the site specific current meter data used to generate the flow field in DEPOMOD are collected at a single location and applied to the entire model domain. As such, the degree to which the current meter data are representative of the whole model grid will depend on additional factors such as the complexity of the bathymetry, topographical features and distance from the location of the observations. Consequently, the model domain should not exceed the 1km x 1km size.

Determination of model resolution

DEPOMOD defines cage locations relative to a sub‐grid of ten times the resolution of the MAJOR grid. By selecting a MAJOR grid resolution of 25m, cage locations are calculated to a 2.5m resolution.

DEPOMOD calculates particle positions relative to a sub‐grid of ten times the resolution of the MINOR grid. By selecting a MINOR grid resolution of 10m, particles are thus calculated to a 1m resolution. This results in a nominal accuracy for the depositional area calculations of 1m2.

From the above, it should be apparent that the MINOR grid must be smaller than the MAJOR grid. For a MAJOR grid of 1km x 1km at 25 metre spacing, there will be 40 nodes –the MINOR grid should be set at 99 nodes at 10m spacing with both grid origins at the same location.

The MAJOR and MINOR grids should be contoured and displayed in order to verify the bathymetry and the placement of the farm, current meter and sampling stations. There are several contouring software packages available for this purpose, but the model file structure and features have been developed with the software SURFER (Golden Software Inc.) in mind.

It is the user’s responsibility to determine the suitability of the raw depth data for use in the modelling exercise. Gridding and interpolation of distant data points can in itself introduce artifacts into the data than do not necessarily exist in reality. Caution should always be applied when applying depth data to the Gridgen module.

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Procedures and Guidance References • DCG110 Major Grid Generation • DCP120 GRIDGEN Module

Settings

• BATHYMETRIC DATA o All data should be recorded ‘positive’ depths recorded to Chart Datum o Shorelines should be assigned value of ‘‐4’ o Land areas should be assigned value of ‘‐10’

• MAJOR GRID DIMENSIONS o Number of grid cells (i and j) –40 o Length of grid cells (i and j) –25m

• MINOR GRID o Number of grid cells (i and j) –99 o Length of grid cells (i and j) –10m

• CAGE POSITION/SAMPLE STATION INFORMATION o Cage centre and sample station locations should be input as accurately as possible in metres (x and y)

from the MAJOR GRID origin –USER DEFINED

Particle Tracking Module

After the MAJOR and MINOR grids have been created, the next stage in the modelling process is to define the particle information (mass, digestibility, carbon and moisture content, and settling velocities), cage set‐up (feed input and sizes), current velocity data (the advective flow field through which the particles settle), the turbulence characteristics of the water column and the number of particles to be modelled.

All the above processes are carried out within the Particle Tracking Module ‘PARTRACK’. The output of this module describes the initial deposition patch of waste from the farm on the seabed. The trajectories of individual particles are modelled as the sum of an advective and a turbulent component. The advective component is based on the current meter observations at different depths in the water column, whilst the turbulent component is modelled as a random walk process parameterized with dispersion coefficients. Waste solids are divided into two categories, waste feed –food pellets not ingested by the fish –and faecal particles. Within the faecal fraction a distribution of settling velocities and mass proportions may be applied. Simulations then entail the individual tracking of many (~105) waste particles at discrete time steps until they settle onto the seabed.

Feed and Waste Parameter Settings

As described above, two sets of model simulations should be undertaken. The first using the maximum daily feed input value for the grow‐out period while the second uses the average daily feed rate over the grow‐out period. The average daily feed rate is calculated by dividing the total feed budget for the grow‐out period by the duration of the grow‐out period. In both simulations, the daily feed rate per cage should be proportioned on a cage volume basis. Food wastage rates are difficult to quantify as they are not routinely monitored and may vary considerably with the husbandry practices adopted by the different farm operators. The recent literature appears to consistently report that food wastage rates are less than 5% (Brooks and Mahnken 2003 and Cromey et al 2002), consequently for all simulations a feed wastage rate of 3% should be used.

Feed formulations have tended towards high digestibility and low moisture content. At present, the settings are 90% and 10% for feed digestibility and moisture content respectively.

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In simulations for carbon flux, the most up‐to‐date information on the carbon content of the feed pellets should be used. Sutherland et al (2001) reported a carbon content of 57%. In the faecal material of juvenile Atlantic salmon Chen et al (1999) reported the carbon content to be in the 32% to 35% range. A value of 33% should be used unless more recent analyses are available.

The sinking rate of waste feed pellets range from 6 to 16 cm s‐1 (Cromey et al 2002 and Findlay and Watling 1994) depending upon the diameter of the pellet. A single food group using the default sinking rate of 11 cm s‐1 should be used in the simulations.

For faecal particles, the sinking rates are lower than for waste feed pellets. There appears to be some consensus in the literature (Cromey et al 2002, Panchang et al 1997) supporting a mean sinking rate of around 3 cm s‐1. The default settings consisting of normally distributed sinking velocities having a mean of 3.2 cm s‐1 and a standard deviation of 1.1 cm s‐1 should be used.

Changes in feed formulations, feeding systems, fish health and husbandry practices will result in changes to the characteristics of the feed, feces and feed wastage rates. Also new determinations of the sinking rates of feed pellets and faecal particles will result in improved parameterizations of theses sinking wastes. Where deviations from the default settings are appropriate, the justification and supporting literature references should be included in the modelling report.

Hydrographic Data Quality

High quality hydrographic data are critical to the application of DEPOMOD in assessing the distribution of waste material on the seabed. If the HG data used do not accurately represent the overall current flow field around the farm site then any model output using these data should be regarded with a high degree of scepticism. Guidance on assessing the suitability of HG data to be used in DEPOMOD is provided in the appended document DCG105.

Hydrographic (HG) Data Settings

DEPOMOD uses synchronous current velocity observations from several depth layers (maximum 5 layers) to determine the advective flow field through which the ejected particles settle. The protocols for Currents Metering (Appendix C‐3) require current meter data to be collected at a minimum of two depths (15m below the surface and 5 m above the substrate). When current meter data is collected at only two depths the full potential of DEPOMOD to simulate particles settling through a sheared water column is not realized. Moreover, it appears common that the two HG data sets (shallow and near‐bottom) are obtained at different times and from different locations. In such situations, the two HG data sets should NOT be used simultaneously in the simulations.

Separate simulations should be run using the shallow and deep current meter records independently. The waste footprint will generally be smaller in area but with larger waste flux values when using the deep meter record, as the near‐bottom currents are usually weaker than those collected closer to the surface.

In order for the model to use the HG data to produce the advective flow field through which the particles settle, the current meter data files must be reformatted to a standard DEPOMOD format (see appended document DCP125). HG data may be expressed as either speed and direction, or in vector component form (i.e. EW & NS). It is important to know if the data have been corrected for magnetic variation. The model provides an option which allows the user to specify the correction for magnetic variation.

The protocols for Currents Metering require that a data set of at least 30 days length be recorded. For modelling purposes, if the HG data record is in excess of 30 days, then the most suitable and representative, contiguous 30 day data set should be extracted from the raw data. The 30 day data represents two neap‐spring tidal cycles which will be repeated throughout the modelling exercise. This data set may be hourly averaged unless the variability in the current flow field at time steps less than 60 minutes is considered to have a significant effect on the modelling output.

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A full report on instrumentation, methods and procedures used to collect, process and quality control the HG data should be submitted if this information in not included in the farm management plan.

Particle Trajectory Settings

An important input parameter in the particle tracking module of DEPOMOD is the number of particles which are released per particle group per cage per time step (part/group/cage/Δt). In the model, wastes are divided into two groups; faecal particles and waste feed (uneaten food pellets) particles. In reality, a very large number of particles are released from a fish farm site. Following the principle that ensembles of these particles (often with different settling velocities) will follow similar paths, a representative number of particles that describes the behaviour of the ensemble of particles is defined. If the number of particles released during a model run is small, then, depending on the number of time steps, an inaccurate simulation of deposition could result. Thus, the model result could be a poor description of the real particle deposition footprint. Increasing the number of particles released will generally increase the ‘accuracy’ of the model result. However, this increase in accuracy is not limitless. There will be a point in any simulation, beyond which, no significant increase in accuracy will be gained from an increase in part/group/cage/Δt. In addition, increasing part/group/cage/Δt increases the time required to achieve a model run result.

In an effort to balance computational time against estimates of accuracy, and achieve consistency between sites, a value of 10 part/group/cage/Δt should be used when running the model.

Turbulence Model Settings

In this module, the effects of turbulence are simulated through the use of random walk model (Allen, 1982) applied to horizontal and vertical dispersion co‐ efficients. The turbulence model should be used in all simulations with the default settings of 0.1 m2 s‐1 and 0.001 m2 s‐1 for the horizontal (x and y) and vertical (z) dispersion coefficients respectively (after Gillibrand and Turrell, 1997).

Procedures and Guidance References

• DCG105 Hydrographic Data QA/QC • DCP125 HG Data Formatting and Input • DCP130 PARTRACK Module –Carbon Settings • PARTICLE INFORMATION

o Water content of food –10% o Digestibility –90% o Food wasted as % of food fed –3% o Carbon as % of food pellets (dry weight) –57% o Carbon as % of faces (dry weight) –33% o Define SETTLING VELOCITIES

Food Particles Mean 11.0 cm s‐1 Faecal Particles Mean 3.2 cm s‐1 S.D 1.1 cm s‐1 Normal Distribution

• CAGE SET‐UP o Type of release –CONTINUOUS o FOOD LOADING

Feeding rate in kg/cage/day –SITE SPECIFIC o DIMENSIONS

Specify cage dimensions in metres ‐ SITE SPECIFIC • CURRENT VELOCITY DATA

o Time step of current velocity data in seconds (1 hour = 3600s) –USER DEFINED o Length of current velocity data –number of time steps (30 days hourly averaged = 720) –USER DEFINED

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• TURBULENCE MODEL –ON o x and y = 0.1 m2 s‐1 o z = 0.001 m2 s‐1

• PARTICLE TRAJECTORY MODEL o Number of particles –10 o Trajectory evaluation accuracy –HIGH

• MEAN TIDAL HEIGHT o Specify in metres –SITE SPECIFIC

Resuspension Module

Resuspension processes are not simulated in the prediction of the effect of organic enrichment on the proximal seabed conditions. However, it is necessary that the output of the Particle Tracking Model be ‘run through’ the resuspension module in order to produce output files that are amenable to calculations by the user.

This process is carried out by executing the RESUS module, using the files created by the particle tracking model, but disabling the resuspension model by clearing the tick box as shown below:

The files produced by running the model should be included in the final report (see Reporting of results and data products section below).

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Procedures and Guidance References

• DCP141 Resuspension Module (RESUSPENSION DISABLED)

Settings

• MODELS o RESUSPENSION –OFF o G Model –OFF o Primary Production –OFF o Wind Wave –OFF o Memory Saver –OFF o NUMBER OF LOOPS –2

• OUTPUT MODELLED –Flux/Total Deposition –FLUX • MASS UNITS –g

Model Output Processing

The output of the model to be used in subsequent calculations is in the form of an x,y,z array. These data require interpolation and gridding processes to produce a “footprint of deposition”. Since the data take the form of a regular grid, a minimal amount of interpolation is required.

Procedures and Guidance References

• DCP150 –Model Output processing

Brief Guidance on Assessment of Model Results

Mass Balance Calculations

At sites characterised by energetic flow fields, typically where the current speeds are very high a proportion of the excreted material may be exported from the model domain through an open boundary.

A mass balance should be performed to determine the quantity of material lost (i.e. the difference between applied load and the quantity remaining within the model domain) (see DCP 150 for guidance). In cases where a significant proportion of the material has been removed from the model domain, an assessment of the likely fate of the material should be undertaken. Additionally, consideration should be made over the suitability of using the model results in these situations.

Assessment of the footprint

The predicted footprint from each site modelled should be assessed on a case by case basis. As a guide the model output should be reviewed with respect to:

• Placement of the footprint relative to the farm cages taking into consideration the magnitude and direction of the residual flow.

• The bathymetry and coastline of the surrounding area, in particular, whether unrealistic accumulations at headlands or on sudden depth changes have occurred.

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Reporting of Results and Data Products

The report on the model simulations for a proposed farm site should include the following information, products and data:

• Complete description of farm site (name, company, latitude and longitude, BC lands tenure number, etc.) and contact name for information regarding the model simulations.

• Contour plot of the major or minor bathymetric grid showing the shoreline, depth contours and the placement of the farm net pens and locations of the current meter mooring(s). If the farm operator has conducted a high resolution bathymetric survey of the tenure and used these data in the generation of the grid then a geo‐ referenced map of the site should be included together with a report documenting the instrumentation and procedures used to acquire, process and quality control the bathymetric data.

• Table listing all the farm net pen specifications and configurations such as; number of net pens, type (polar or square), net pen dimensions, grouping, orientation and total surface area.

• Tables summarizing parameter settings for simulations at maximum daily feeding rate and average daily feeding rate of the grow‐out period. Information summary should include; species cultured, harvest biomass, length of grow‐out period, feed characteristics, food dispensed per day, waste food per day, faecal material generated per day, carbon wastes generated per day, and waste particle sinking rates.

• Contour plots of the farm “footprint” in terms carbon flux to the bottom are the most appropriate method to display the results of the model simulations. Separate contour plots of the footprint for the maximum daily feed rate and for the average feeding rate over the grow‐out period should be presented. Units of g m‐2 d‐1 should be used for the carbon flux. Note that because the resuspension module does not provide output of carbon flux in units of g m‐2 d‐1 the output file needs to be converted. In total 2 separate contour plots are required for each non‐synchronous current meter record.

• In order to have a quantitative estimate of the area of the footprint, the areas within given contour levels should be calculated and tabulated for both scenarios. The contouring package SURFER has the ability to compute areas and volumes of contoured fields. Contour levels suggested are 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, etc. g m‐2 d‐1 for carbon flux.

• Electronic files from the following DEPOMOD modules as detailed below:

a) GRIDGEN ‐ the configuration file (*.cfg) for the generation of the major and minor grids as well as the farm configuration and current meter mooring locations ‐ the major and minor data files (*.dat)

b) CURRENTS ‐ the data file (*.dat) and calibration file (*.cal) for each current meter record used in the simulations. (Note: A full report on instrumentation, and procedures used to collect, process and quality control the current meter data should be submitted if this information is not included in the farm management plan.)

c) PARTRACK ‐ configuration files (*.cfg) for each simulation. The configuration files contain information on 1) the feed and faecal waste characteristics, their settling velocities, 2) current velocity files, time steps and length of time series, 3)cage setup – daily feeding rates per cage, type and imensions of the cages, 4) turbulence model setting and 5) particle trajectory model settings.

d) RESUS ‐ configuration files (*.cfg) for each simulation. The configuration files contain information on the settings used within the model run. ‐ the model output file (*.sur) for each simulation. These files contain the raw model output prior to any interpolation and gridding techniques being applied.

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References

Allen, C.M. 1982. Numerical simulation of contaminant dispersion in estuarine flow. Proc. Roy. Soc. London, A, 381, 179‐ 194.

British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection (BCMWLAP). 2002. Protocols for Marine Environmental Monitoring. 05 September 2002. http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/industrial_waste/agriculture/reg_prot ocols.pdf

Brooks, K.M. and C.V.W. Mahnken. 2003. Interactions of the Atlantic salmon in the Pacific northwest environment II. Organic wastes. Fisheries Research, 62: 255 ‐ 293.

Chamberlain, J., D. Stucchi, L. Lu and C. Levings. 2005. The suitability of DEPOMOD for use in the management of finfish aquaculture sites, with specific reference to Pacific Region. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2005/035

Chen, Y‐S. M.C.M. Beveridge and T.C. Telfer. 1999. Settling rate characteristics and nutrient content of the feces of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., and the implications for modelling of solid waste dispersion. Aquaculture Res. 30, p. 395‐ 398.

Cromey, C. J., T. D. Thomas and K. D. Black 2002a. DEPOMOD‐ modeling the deposition and biological effects of waste solids from marine cage farms. Aquac. 214, 211‐239.

Cromey, C. J., T. D. Nickell, K. D. Black, P. G. Provost and C. R. Griffiths. 2002b. Validation of Fish Farm Waste Resuspension Model by Use of a Particulate Tracer Discharge from a Point Source in a Coastal Environment. Estu. Vol. 25, No. 5, 916‐ 929.

Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). 2005. Assessment of Finfish Cage Aquaculture in the Marine Environment. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2005/034

Findlay, R.H. and L. Watling 1997. Prediction of benthic impact for salmon net‐pens based on the balance of benthic oxygen supply and demand. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. Vol. 155: 147‐157.

Gillibrand, P.A. and W.R. Turrell 1997. Simulating the dispersion and settling of particulate material and associated substances from salmon farms. Aberdeen Marine Laboratory, Report No 3/97.

Panchang,V. G. Chang and C. Newell. 1997. Modeling Hydrodynamics and Aquaculture Waste Transport in Coastal Maine. Estuaries Vol. 20, No. 1, 14‐41.

Sutherland, T.F., A.J. Martin, and C.D. Levings 2001. The characterization of suspended particulate matter surrounding a salmonid net‐pen in the Broughton Archipelago, British Columbia. ICES Journal of Marine Science 58:404‐410

Acknowledgements

Many of the modelling procedures and techniques, and the code for the software tools described within this document have their origin in work carried out by numerous individuals at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, and at the Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban. The authors would like to acknowledge their many contributions in developing and refining DEPOMOD modelling.

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DEPOMOD Canada‐ DOCUMENTS List of DEPOMOD Canada Methods (DCM), Procedures (DCP) and Guidance (DCG) documents.

DCP101

DEPOMOD Installation, Folder Structure and File Naming Conventions DCP102 Hydrographic Data QA/QC DCP105 MAJOR Grid Generation DCP110 GRIDGEN Module DCP120 HG Data Formatting and Input DCP125 PARTRACK Module‐ Carbon DCP130 RESUS Module (RESUSPENSION DISABLED) DCP141 Model Output Processing DCP150

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DEPOMOD Installation, Folder Structure and File Naming Conventions DCP102

Introduction It would greatly assist the file transfer and auditing process if all users adhered to the same file structure when installing and operating DEPOMOD. Experienced users of the model have found the following file structure to be the most intuitive and user/sharing friendly.

Installation DEPOMOD v2.2 should be installed on a Hard Disk partition named C:\. Although the DEPOMOD installation location suggested by the installer is:

C:\Program Files\DEPOMODv2\

it is recommended that this is changed to:

C:\DEPOMODv2\

as shown below:

B WindowsXP (C:) 1±1 ApnApps DDELL

B DEPOMODV2 1±1 Benthic 1±1 Currents 1±1 GaBoM 1±1 Gridgen

Help 1±1 Partrack 1±1 IIIII

Each folder within the DEPOMOD structure should contain the executable (*.exe) and system (*.sys) files for the module.

Site Folder Structure The files used and created in the actual modeling process should be maintained in a separate folder structure named Modeling within the root C:\ directory as shown below:

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El Modeling El Sitename

Benthic Currents Data Gridgen Mail Partrack Raw Resus Surfer

This folder structure allows all data associated with a particular site is maintained under a common sitename folder. It permits simple separation of the different farms being modeled whilst maintaining a common approach such that data can be exchanged between computers and users with the same set-up and the files examined without further associations having to be created.

The sub-folder structure is detailed below:

\Sitename\: files and subfolders relating to a particular site \Benthic\: files relating to the DEPOMOD benthic module (not used at present) \Currents\: files relating to the hydrographic data analysis AND the hourly averaged current meter data to be used in the model \Data\: files relating to the creation of the Major grid \Gridgen\: files relating to the Depomodv2 Grid generation module \Mail\: email and communications files relating to the site \Partrack\: files relating to the DEPOM0Dv2 Particle tracking module \Raw\: files containing raw information relating to the site \Resus\: files relating to the DEPOMODv2 Resuspension module \Surfer\: files relating to post-processing interpolation of the model output data.

File Naming Protocol It is recommended that file names are kept as short as possible whilst allowing the user to identify the different model set-ups. A recommended file naming protocol is outlined below, separated into the different stages of the modeling process:

Gridgen prep Sitename-bathy.xls Sitename-cagesetup.xis S tename-bathy.grd Sitename-bathy-out.grd Sitename-srf Sitename-maj.dat

Gridgen Sitename-min.dat

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Hydrographic Data QA/QC

I DCG105v1

Requirements • EXCEL Hydrographic data analysis toolkit "HGDA.XLS" • current meter data files with minimum of 30 days of contiguous data

Introduction High quality hydrographic (HG) data are critical to the application of DEPOMOD in assessing the distribution of waste material on the seabed. The HG data used to simulate the advection of particles within the model should accurately represent the overall current flow field around the farm site. The following provides guidance on assessing the suitability of HG data sets for use in the model. The order of assessment begins with a review of the documentation of the current meter data set, then proceeds to a visual analysis of various graphical and statistical representations of the data sets If the assessments of the current meter data identify concerns or irregularities then further analysis may be required to assess their suitability for modelling purposes NOTE: Near surface and near bottom current meter data sets from the same site should be considered separately in the first instance - after which, comparisons between the data should made. Documentation Documentation is an important and often overlooked aspect in the assessment of the current meter data set. The various components of the documentation are detailed below along with a brief description of how this information may be used to assess the quality of the current meter data set.

1 Location, depth and surroundings The gee-referenced (latitude and longitude or UTM coordinates) location of the current meter mooring is required to assess how close the measurements are to the proposed or actual location net cage structures. The usefulness of the current meter data set may be called into question if the measurements are either too close (<30m) to existing net pens and in a position that is biased by the physical presence of the net pens, or too far away (-300m) to be representative of the flow at the location of net pens.

2 Current meter mooring The mooring configuration is an important aspect of the measurement system because it can affect the current meter measurements. Manufacturers of current meters provide guidance for the proper mooring of their instruments. The mooring design used in the collection of the current meter data will be reviewed and concerns identified. In general, the use of surface floatation should be avoided because the motion of the surface float can be transmitted down the mooring line to the current meter thus biasing and/or introducing noise into the speed and direction measurements. Other considerations include, but not limited to, the use of insufficient buoyancy in a sub-surface mooring, attachment of the mooring to other structures, magnetic distortion caused by proximity to large iron objects.

3 Current meter make, model, specifications, calibrations, maintenance and sampling

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configuration. This set of information will be reviewed to determine that the current meter sensors have up-to-date calibrations; the instrument has been maintained and set up (sampling interval, averaging interval, etc.) in an appropriate configuration for the sampling of a 30 day record.

4 Data processing Most current meter manufacturers provide software to download the data from their instruments, to process the raw data into engineering units, to correct for magnetic variations, and to display and summarize the current velocity data. It is important to know how the raw current meter data were processed (e.g. correction for magnetic variation, editing of spikes) as it may aid in the interpretation of current meter data particularly when there are concerns with the trustworthiness of the data.

5 Field notes pertaining to the deployment and recovery of the instruments Written notes from the field personnel about the current meter deployment and recovery operations may explain deficiencies in the current meter records or conversely provide supporting information that the operations proceeded normally. Observations about the presence or absence of tangles in the mooring lines, obstruction or fouling of current meter sensors will could provide valuable information for the interpretation of the current meter data sets.

Visual Data Analysis The procedure for carrying out simple 'Visual Analysis' requires the data to be presented in a number of graphical formats. A number of data manipulations are necessary prior to plotting:

• Calculation of the orthogonal easterly and northerly vector components from the raw current speed and direction data (where these are not directly available from the instrument of any interface software).

• Frequency analysis of speed and direction The data should be presented in the following graphical formats for assessment:

• Time series plot of speed and direction • Scatter plot of speed and direction or and vector components • Cumulative vector plot (Progressive Vector Diagrams) • Histogram of direction • Plot of current velocity and percentile analysis

The following assessments of the data should be made and if the data fail to meet one or more of the following criteria then the current meter record may be unsuitable for modelling purposes. This is in no way an exhaustive list of assessments nor should the data automatically be considered suitable if all the following criteria are met. The data in each plot should be considered in concert with other projections of the data in order to carry out a complete assessment. NOTE: A hydrographic data analysis toolkit "HGDA.XLS" has been created to carry out the above calculations and produce the required plots of the data. Instructions for use of data input and use of toolkit are provided in the README sheet. 6 The time series plots of speed and direction should illustrate:

• varying current speeds throughout the record. Prolonged periods of zero or 'fixed' flow indicate fouling of meter or malfunctioning sensors and consequently a flawed current meter record.

• varying current directions throughout the record. Extended periods of uni- directional flow indicate fouling of the current meter or malfunctioning

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• presence of a tidal signal, i.e. ebb and flood flows, that occur twice per day for most locations on the BC coast. Absence of a visible tidal signal should flag the current meter record as suspicious and subject it to more quantitative analysis (see section on Harmonic Analysis below).

• Presence of fortnightly variation (spring - neap cycle) in the speed time series. The maximum current speeds during neap tides (small tides) should be smaller than during spring tides (large tides). Absence of this modulation in the strength of the tidal currents at the fortnightly time scale could indicate problems with the current meter data.

• major current directions (bimodal i.e. ebb and flood directions) that should align with the shoreline and/or bathymetry. (See note below with regard to alignment of principal axis of flow with shoreline/bathymetry).

• Current velocities that are relatively consistent with adjacent tidal records and realistic for the location - i.e. smooth rather than spiky data

7 The scatter plot of EW and NS components should exhibit: • a principal axis of flow passing through the origin showing ebb and flood

tide direction (bi-modal direction). Absence of predominant ebb and flood directions (i.e. a noisy scatter plot) indicate a problematic current meter record. Possible causes are instrument malfunction, obstruction of sensors or contamination of the current meter measurements by mooring motion (i.e. surface floatation).

• alignment of the principal axis (ebb and flood directions) with the shoreline and/or bathymetry. In general, a principal axis of flow that is not aligned with the shore or bathymetry indicates a serious problem with the current meter data. A convoluted shoreline and complex bathymetry could create confused flow directions. Calibrations for the compass and correction for magnetic variation should be rechecked.

8 The cumulative vector plot should depict: • a continuous relatively smooth track of the summed vector components (no

large individual spikes should be observed). • an overall representation of the residual flow at the location. In general, the

residual flow direction should also align with the shoreline/bathymetry.

9 The histogram of direction should demonstrate: • a bimodal distribution of current direction with peaks that align with the

shoreline and/or bathymetry. In general, a principal axis of the flow that is not aligned with the shore or bathymetry indicates there is a serious problem with the current meter data. A convoluted shoreline and complex bathymetry may create confused flow directions. Calibrations for the compass and correction for magnetic variation should be rechecked.

10 The plot of current speed and percentile analysis should show: • the range of current velocities from zero to a realistic maximum in

a representative distribution. Unrealistically large speeds should be edited by replacement with interpolated values.

11 Comparison of data sets collected from the same site • generally, the mean and maximum current velocities should be less in the

near bottom data compared to the near surface data. • the principal axis of flow should be 'similar' in both data sets except where

shoreline and/or bathymetric features can be seen to be causing variations.

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••• Government Gouvemament

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of Canada du Canada

DEPOMOD Canada- Fish Farm Modelling

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7 Enter the positions of the HG meter and cage centre positions. Set the number, spacing (between cage centres) and type of cages as required. (where extra groups are not used, the set the number of rows and columns to zero).

8 Using the control buttons, position the cages on the grid to the most suitable position for the site. AS A GUIDE, IT IS BEST TO TRY AND MINIMISE THE ESCAPE OF PARTICLES FROM THE MODEL GRID AREA. CONSIDERATION OF THE HYDROGRAPHIC DATA, AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE COASTINE GEOMETRY, MAY HELP IN THIS REGARD, CENTERING THE CAGES IS A GOOD STARTING POSITION BUT IT MAY NOT ALWAYS BE THE OPTIMAL SOLUTION.

9 It is recommended that the X- and Y- direction minimum and maximum values should be set to a 'useful' value (e.g. nearest 10m or 25m) using the shift axis feature (described in boxes J and K above). These values are used in the creation of the MAJOR grid as the grid limits - they should be noted for use later in this procedure (Step 14).

10 The positions of all cages relative to the nominal grid origin are presented in the 'site- cages' sheet. These values are used in the creation of a SURFER Post file for overlying the cage positions on the DEPOMOD output plot.

11 The positions of all cages relative to the MAJOR grid origin are presented in the

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DEPOMOD Canada- Fish Farm Modelling

'Depo-cage input' sheet. These values are used when entering the cage positions in the GRIDGEN module. A 'Shrink Window' feature has been included such that this sheet may be viewed on screen along with the GRIDGEN cage location input h t

12 Save this file as sitename-cagesetup.xls. 13 In a new EXCEL sheet, amalgamate the shoreline, land and bathymetry files and

enter the appropriate sounding as the z coordinate. All data points should be saved in the first three columns of an Excel file (no headers). It is useful to save information about the data in text box next to the data columns

• Land points should be assigned values of -10 • Coastlines (higher high water) should be assigned values of -4 (this

value should be greater than the highest astronomical tide - thereby never being wetted).

Convert the depth/sounding values to positive metres and save the EXCEL file as sitename-bathymetry.XLS. This EXCEL file contains the x,y,z bathymetric data that will be gridded in SURFER.

14 Using SURFER, Grid the data using Kriging interpolation method. All data should be included in these calculations. The X- and Y- direction minimum and maximum values should be set to the grid limits determined in Step 9 of this procedure. As DEPOMOD requires depth values at the centre of each grid cell - the following routine should be Settings should be applied.

15 The grid line geometry spacing should be set to HALF the desired major grid array spacing increment (12.5m to produce 25m grid). Save this file as 'sitename.grd' in SURFER? (*.grd) format (default).Use the Grid>Extract utility in SURFER to select data points at 25m spacing beginning with the first node in the centre of the most south-westerly grid. First, select the first and last ROW (Y) to be extracted and read every 2nd node. Then select the first and last COLUMN (X) to be extracted and read every 2nd node. At 25m spacing for a 1km x 1km grid - this should result in 40 nodes in both directions. (e.g. if extracting data points between 500m-1500m, the minimum position should reside at (512.5, 512.5) and maximum at (1487.5,1487.5)). This should be saved as 'sitename-out.grd' in GS ASCII format.

For information only: Although the GC ASCI/ file 'sitename-out.grd' contains all the data required for the major grid it cannot be easily transformed into a major grid file having the GRIDGEN format. To facilitate the transformation of the GS ASCI/ grid file into a DEPOMOD major grid file an EXCEL macro has been written to manipulate the data into the format required by DEPOMOD.

16 Open the EXCEL file "Macro40x40.xls" and push the large button. Open the 'sitename-out.grd' file. The macro reorganizes the data into the Gridgen format. The Macro prompts the used to provide a filename for the data - this should be saved as 'sitename-maj.dat' format. The Macro also adds three header lines to the data, containing the filename, the x and y extremes of the data (this is calculated by adding/subtracting 12.5m values to SW and NE corners respectively. Additionally, information on the spacing (25m) and number of nodes (40 x 40) is also included in these headers.

17 The data can now be loaded into Gridgen as the Major grid file.

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•••

Government of Canada

DEPOMOD Canada- Fish Farm Modelling

DEPOMOD Canada - Fish Farm Modeling

PARTRACK module - Carbon

Gouvemament du Canada

DCP130

Reguirements Grid file created in GRIDGEN s tename-min.dat (and associated files) um daily feed input value for grow-out period (Simulation 1) from Site Information e daily feed input for grow out period (Simulation 2) calculated from total feed and duration of grow-out period as specified in Site Information Table hourly averaged (unless otherwise specified) hydrographic data from the farm site below the surface and 5 m above the seabed formatted as specified in DCP125

• Minor • Maxim

Table

• Avera budget

• 30 day at 15m

1 Open a new Carbon - Continuous Release of Food (food input defined as a time series (dialog method)) data configuration file

2 Load the MINOR grid file (s tename-min.dat). View the MINOR grid file data and summary information using the buttons provided. Ensure that all information loaded is correct.

3 Set the particle characteristics by selecting the Particle Information CHANGE button

• Set Model Units to Carbon

• Set food and faecal material and settling velocity characteristics as specified in the PARTRACK section of Methods and Settings.

4 Set the cage characteristics by selecting the cage set-up CHANGE button

• Set the type of release as specified in the PARTRACK section of Methods and Settings

• Select the Food Loading dialog - set the Feeding Rate value (kg/cage/day) as either equal quantity for every cage or different values for individual cages (portioned on cage volume basis). This value will the maximum daily feed input value for grow out period for Simulation 1 and the average daily feed rate for grow out period for Simulation 2.

• Select the Dimensions dialog- set the cage type (circular/rectangular) and the dimensions (length/width or diameter and depth) of each cage ith l f th i di id ll

5 Define the hydrographic data file(s) to be used for the simulation. Specify the depth of water, height of meter(s) above seabed, data format and magnetic correction. Where asynchronous HG data records are used, individual simulations should be undertaken for each record.

6 Specify the time step and length of the HG data record. 7 Set the Turbulence Model and Particle Trajectory Model as specified in the

PARTRACK section of Methods and Settings

8 Specify the mean tidal height for the local area 9 Set the output file containing particle information to:

Sitename-(applied feed load)-C(for carbon)-slmlb(HG meter used).f il

10 Run model - set the configuration filename to the above format

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DEPOMOD Canada- Fish Farm Modelling

DEPOMOD Canada- Fish Farm Modeling

Model Output Processing DCP150

Requirements • Data files created in Resuspension module

either • Bathymetric Grid File at 12.5m spacing • S tename-cagesetup.xls

or • Sitename-min.sur file created in Gridgen module

1 Using Surfer, Grid the data file "s tename-####-C-s/m/bgO.sur" created in the RESUS folder using the settings below. (This file contains comma separated data containing the output of the model in terms of x,y,z co-ordinates where x and y are the positions relative to the grid origin and z is the flux value in g.m-2.yr"1

) .

• X - Column A • Y - Column B • Z - Column C • Gridding Method - Nearest Neighbour • Output file -" sitename-####-C-slmlb.grd" in the SURFER folder • Grid line geometry

o X direction Min=O Max=1000 Spacing=10 #of lines=101 o Y direction Min=O Max=1000 Spacing=10 #of lines=101

2 These data require to be converted from g.m-2.yr"1 to g.m-2.d-1 Using Surfer, Grid - . Math and open the file created above.

• Output Grid File C should be saved as " sitename-####-C-s/ mlb-gm2d.grd" in the SURFER folder.

• The FUNCTION should be C=A/365

3 All data should now be in the correct format to produce a plot illustrating the footprint of deposition.

4 Using Surfer create the following plots:

Bathymetry • Map - Contour Map - New Contour Plot • Open the sitename-bathy.grd file • Load or create an appropriate level (*.lvl) file that illustrates the

land boundary and depth contours. Cage Positions

• Map - Post Map - New Post Map • IF CageSetup.xls has been used the open this file and select the sheet 'site-

cages'. In the Post Properties dialog box, select the following ti

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o X Coord - Column A o Y Coord- Column B o Symbol- Column E o Angle - Column C

• IF another approach has been used to site the cages, open the sitename- min.sur file (comma separated) in the GRIDGEN folder. In the Post Properties dialog box select columns and settings as appropriate.

Footprint

• Map - Contour Map - New Contour Map • Open the "sitename-####-C-s/m/b-gm2d.grd" file created above. • Load or create an appropriate level (8.1vl) file that illustrates the patch of

deposition. Overlay all maps using the Edit - Select All and then Map - Overlay Maps function.

NOTE - if the grids have been created with reference to different origins use the Grid - Transform function to align and locate all grids on the same scale.

5 Save the plot as "s tename-####-C-s/m/b-gm2d.srf in the SURFER folder. Refer to the 'Brief Guidance on Assessment of Model Results' section above for quality checks on the plot.

6 To calculate the PLANAR AREA enclosed by the contour of a specified flux rate: • Grid - Volume function • Select the grid file for analysis • Set the Z level to the required flux quantity • From the 'Areas' section of the report produced, the required value is the

"Planar Area - Positive Planar Area [cut]" in m2.

7 To calculate the quantity of Carbon within the model grid: • Grid - Volume function • Select the grid file for analysis • Set the Z level to 0 (zero) • From the 'Volumes' section of the report produced, the required value is the

"Cut & Fill Volumes - Positive Volume [cut]" in g Carbon da 1 .

If all the Carbon released from the farm during the simulation is within the model domain, this value should approximate to:

0.044 x Total Feed Quantity per day (kg) x 1000 (this is calculated from the settings in the feed module of the PARTRACK model where for every 100 kg of food fed, 1.5 kg of Carbon is wasted and 2.9 kg of Carbon is excreted.)

If this value above is below 75% of the expected value then a significant proportion of the material is being exported from the model domain through resuspension. In such cases, the fate of this exported material should be taken into consideration.

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APPENDIX C‐2.1 – EELGRASS BED SURVEY

The importance of eelgrass to marine ecosystems has been well established and is considered critical habitat by DFO.

As an eelgrass bed has been identified in the Intertidal and Shallow Subtidal Habitat Surveys, it is now important to document the size of the bed, map the location and record the relative abundance of eelgrass. This methodology has been adopted from Environment Canada’s Methods for Mapping and Monitoring Eelgrass Habitat in BC (Precision Identification Biological Consultants, 2002).

Surveys must take place during the summer growing season (May‐September).

1. Type of Eelgrass Bed The first step is to classify the type of bed and the species. There are two basic forms of eelgrass beds in the Pacific Northwest; fringing beds that occur as relatively narrow bands usually on gentle slopes and more expansive beds that cover large areas such a tidal flats. There are two species of eelgrass Zostera marina and Zostera japonica.

2. Location and Delineation of Eelgrass Bed The “edge of bed” can be delineated when the density is approximately less than 1 shoot/m2 and beyond which the density continues to decrease. In areas that support a patchy distribution of eelgrass, there may be distances of several metres between patches. In these areas, the edge of the bed should be located at the outer edges of the first and last patch.

A SCUBA or snorkel diver should swim the bed boundary recording the maximum and minimum depths of the bed (adjusted to chart datum). As the diver swims the perimeter of the bed, pelican floats or similar marking buoys should be placed at approximately 15m intervals. Corrected (PP or RT) dGPS readings can then be taken at the various buoys to delineate the bed and create a mapping polygon. The bed polygon must be included in the Habitat Map.

Unedited video footage must be collected when delineating the bed. The video must be clearly labeled to indicate that it is the “delineation of bed” portion of the assessment.

3. Distribution The distribution of eelgrass within the bed may be described as either patchy or continuous. Patchy beds are those that contain isolated groups or patches of plants. Beds, which are not patchy, will be classified as continuous. Refer to Figures 1 through 3.

The diver must swim over the bed in order to assess if it is continuous or patchy. Unedited video must be collected during this assessment. The video must be clearly marked to indicate that this portion of the assessment is to determine the ‘patchiness’ of the bed. The locations of transects must be indicated on the Habitat Map.

4. Additional Information

The presence of fauna (identified to species if possible) should be noted when conducting this assessment.

The assessor should also note any disturbances to the bed (i.e woody debris, prop scour, etc.) and if there is a significant layer of epiphytes on the foliage.

A suggested template for data collection has been attached. However, other templates may be suitable to record data from eelgrass beds. It is recommended that the Proponent contact DFO staff in order to discuss specific situations.

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From Field Methods for Mapping and Monitoring Eelgrass Habitat in BC

Table 1. Eelgrass Data Sheet

Location ………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Date ………………………………….. Surveyor ……………………………………………………

Time Start ……………………………. Time Finish: …………………………………………………

Eelgrass Species ……………………………………………………………………………

Tidal range of eelgrass bed (subtidal, intertidal, both) ………………………………………………..

Type of bed (fringing/expansive) ………………………………………………………………………

Minimum depth of bed …………………….Max. depth of bed ……………………………………… (Adjusted to chart datum) (Adjusted to chart datum)

Distribution (continuous/continuous cover with bare patches/patchy) ……………………………….

Bed delineation stations:

Station # Latitude Longitude

Comments: (debris, disturbances, epiphytes, Green Sea Urchins or Red Sea Urchins, etc.)

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APPENDIX C‐2.2 – ABALONE SURVEY PROTOCOL

The following methodology has been adapted from: Lessard, J. and A. Campbell April 2, 2004 Draft “Measuring the impacts of fish farms on abalone populations – Impact assessment protocol”.

Trigger: Abalone Surveys are to take place if suitable abalone habitat exists and if abalone are noted during any of the

surveys required as per this document.

Abalone habitat and abalone have been identified during one of the above HIR surveys. Now the area of abalone habitat must be mapped and the density of abalone estimated.

Abalone habitat is described as being in 10m of water or less, composed primarily of bedrock and/or boulders, having a good water exchange, normal salinity, and presence of encrusting coralline algae. Algae such as Nereocystis, Macrocystis or Pterygophora are often found in the immediate or surrounding area.

To map abalone habitat two divers swim a few metres apart from each other in a zigzag pattern parallel to shore between the depths of 1‐10m chart datum. Abalone habitat, as described above, will be delineated by either one of the following 2 methodologies.

1. Floats can be deployed at the edges of each change in habitat (from abalone to non‐abalone habitat (i.e. sand)

and visa versa). The boat can then use a GPS to obtain the coordinates. Because the edges of habitats do not usually form a straight line, several floats need to be release to accurately map the habitats.

2. One person is put on shore and finds a location where most of the surface of the water of the site is visible. The shore person records his/her position using a portable dGPS (Professional GPS that facilitates real‐time and post‐ processing corrections). Two divers swim throughout the site during several dives carrying a metal float. When a change in habitat occurs, one of the divers pulls on the float several times. The other diver records the time, depth and other habitat information. Upon seeing the float jumping on the surface, the shore person measures the distance between him/herself and the float using a laser range finder and the bearing of the float using a compass. The time of these measurements is recorded and matched with the time recorded underwater.

Once the abalone habitat has been mapped the abalone density must be determined.

Transect placement:

Transect positions are marked on nautical charts before the survey begins. The positions are selected randomly using the ‘abalone habitat width’ (defined as the linear distance between the two furthest points of the abalone habitat). Transects are perpendicular to the shoreline at these positions. If the abalone habitat is not continuous, but separated by large areas of non‐abalone habitat, the process to select the transect positions is repeated for each area of abalone habitat. At least ten transects should be surveyed in each abalone habitat area. If the width of the abalone habitat is shorter than 300m, a lesser amount of transects may be considered.

Transect layout:

The primary sampling unit is a transect, made up of a variable number of secondary units called quadrats. Each transect is one metre wide and variable in length, depending on the slope of the substrate. Prior to entering the water, a lead line delineating the transect is laid perpendicular to the shore (from the boat). The divers should ensure that the transect is laid out in a straight line. If deployment of the transect is not possible, because of thick kelp beds or other environmental factors, then the divers should sample along a compass bearing perpendicular to the shore. The compass bearing must be strictly followed to avoid possible bias in the density estimate(s). Transects begin at 10m chart datum and extend all the way into the shore, or to the point where the surge makes it impossible for the divers to work effectively.

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Underwater survey (Filling out the “Abalone Field Sheet ‐ Transect”)

The secondary sampling unit consists of a 1 m x 1 m square quadrat that is placed beside the transect, 1 m away to avoid the area potentially disturbed by the lead line placement. Divers flip the quadrat parallel to the transect line, from deep to shallow. One diver records the data while the other measure the abalone and flip the quadrat. In each quadrat, the recording diver should record 1) the depth, 2) the substrate type, and 3) the number of abalone. Boulders are not to be moved to search for cryptic abalone. Caution must be exercised to ensure that abalone in upcoming quadrats are not disturbed.

Where the transect length is greater than 20 m, only every second quadrat needs to be sampled. The frequency of sampling must be written on the underwater sheet.

Raw data must be submitted in tabular form for DFO.

Example data sheet:

Abalone Field Sheet ‐ Transect Page of

Site Name: File number: Date: Recorder: LAT (DD MM.mmm): UTM: (Zone, Easting, Northing): Direction (bearing in ° Magnetic):

Time in: LONG (DD MM.mmm):

_Out:

Direction (bearing in ° True): AND the Correction Factor (declination):

Quad

# Depth

ft. Time Substrate Abalone Comments

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APPENDIX C‐2.3 – SUBTIDAL BIVALVE HABITAT SURVEY

Bivalve habitat and bivalves (or indications of bivalves) have been identified during one of the above HIR surveys. Now the area of bivalve habitat must be mapped.

Bivalve habitat determination should be based on suitable substrate, siphon shows, dimples, mounds, feeding sea stars, dig pits, “new” shell debris (“clean shell”, hinged shells) etc. Siphon shows must not be relied upon solely.

A team of two divers will swim the perimeter of the bivalve habitat recording the maximum and minimum depths of the bivalve habitat. If the bivalve habitat extends to deeper than safe diving depths then the deeper portion of the bivalve habitat must be surveyed with an ROV. As the diver swims the perimeter of the bed, pelican floats or similar marking buoys should be placed at approximately 15 m intervals. Corrected (Post‐Processed or Real‐Time) dGPS readings can then be taken at the various buoys to delineate the bed and create a mapping polygon. The bed polygon must be included in the Habitat Map.

Unedited video footage must be collected when delineating the bed. The video must be clearly labelled to indicate that it is the “delineation of bed” portion of the assessment.

Surveys must occur between May 1st and the end of September.

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APPENDIX C‐2.4 – KELP BEDS

Kelp beds consisting of Macrocystis and Nereocystis species are considered to be Critical Habitat due to their important functional role, so further assessment is required. It is crucial that these surveys are conducted during the more productive spring/summer periods (i.e. late May ‐ early September). Surveys outside this time frame may be rejected.

Having completed the initial foreshore survey, the approximate size of the macrophyte bed will be known. The exact location of the bed and size must be mapped using a Professional dGPS that facilitates real‐time and post‐processing corrections. A scuba diver must swim the bed boundary recording the maximum and minimum depths of the bed (adjusted to chart datum). As the diver swims the perimeter of the bed, pelican floats or similar marking buoys should be placed at approximately 15‐m intervals. Corrected (Post‐Processed or Real‐Time) dGPS readings can then be taken at the various buoys to delineate the bed and create a mapping polygon.

The perimeter of the kelp bed must be video taped and submitted for review. The kelp bed location and size must be digitized on the Habitat Map (or a separate map of the same scale) and the bed circumference coordinates submitted to DFO along with reference information such as date, time, tidal height and weather conditions.

The diver must also record if other Important Species or Habitats are observed during this assessment. This should also be recorded on the Habitat Map.

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APPENDIX C‐2.5 – GLASS SPONGE COMPLEXES

Trigger: Sponge complex surveys are required if Hexactinellid sponge complexes are observed. There are 9 species of Hexactinellid sponge in coastal BC (Leys et al. 2004). These sponge complexes provide food and shelter for a number of different species and are sensitive to human impacts. The following 7 species are commonly observed: Aphrocallistes vastus, Heterochone calyx, Farrea occa, Rhabdocalyptus dawsoni, Staurocalyptus dowlingi, Staurocalyptus solidus, Acanthascus platei. It can be very difficult to discern between these species due to their morphological plasticity. A professional judgment must be made in the field as to if the Hexactinellid sponge observed is an occasional observance or if it would constitute a complex. A sponge complex would be a number of sponges in a localized area.

Note: It is recommended that a qualified professional conduct the Hexactinellid surveys.

Timing: The surveys must occur between May and September.

Transect Locations: The goal of the survey is to delineate the size of the area covered by the sponge complexes, to

accurately map the location and to give an estimation of percent cover (%live vs. %dead must also be noted). Transects shall be located such that the area classified as having sponge complexes is adequately covered. The dGPS coordinates must be recorded at the start and end point of each transect.

ROV: Hexactinellid sponges are delicate. Extreme care must be taken prevent injury to these organisms when operating the ROV. An ROV or forward‐facing towed drop camera can be used. The ROV should not be operated in reverse as this could cause fish to be missed and will likely cause extensive damage to the sponge community. An exception would be during the filming of steep rock walls where it is more practical to face the wall as the camera descends in depth.

Transects should be individually numbered (and correspondingly labelled on the video), with the commencement and termination points of all transects referenced by differential GPS (dGPS). Use a professional Global Positioning System (GPS) that facilitates both real‐time (RT) differential corrections and post‐processed (PP) differential corrections. Report the transect segment start position as a (PP or RT) corrected dGPS coordinate. If available, use of an acoustic positioning system is encouraged to map the ROV flight. If an acoustic positioning system is not available, marker buoys may be used to navigate to transect start points. Use a professional GPS with the positioning software, if this is not available, report alternate positioning methodology and identify where uncorrected positions are used.

Observations: Species: An effort should be made to identify the sponge. In addition, species found in association with the

sponge complex(es) should be recorded.

Substrate: The substrate size classification system as per 2 a) Near shore swim or SCUBA should be used.

Other: presence of sediment on complexes (some species naturally accumulate seciments and then slough them in the winter months), wood waste, Beggiatoa‐like species etc.

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APPENDIX C‐2.6 – LINGCOD SPAWNING

Lingcod Eggmass Survey

Trigger: Lingcod eggmass surveys are required if suitable spawning habitat exists and if lingcod are observed during any

of the surveys required as per this document.

General Methodologies Either of the methodologies found in the following two references may be adapted to your site.

• Vancouver Aquarium’s methodology (http://www.vanaqua.org/lingcodsurvey/) • King, J.P. and P.M. Winchell, Lingcod (Ophiodon elongates) Egg Mass Density SCUBA Survey in the Strait of

Georgia, January 15 – March 13, 2001. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2437. 23p.

Note: It is recommended that a qualified professional conduct the lingcod eggmass survey.

The following considerations must be incorporated into your final survey design.

Timing: The annual lingcod egg mass survey must be conducted during the month of February (preferably mid month).

Transect Locations: Use a professional Global Positioning System (GPS) that facilitates both real‐time (RT) differential

corrections and post‐processed (PP) differential corrections. Transect(s) should be individually numbered (correspondingly labeled on the video) and mapped on the Habitat Map. Report all SCUBA transect start and end positions as a (PP or RT) corrected dGPS coordinate. If an ROV is used, report the transect segment start position as a (PP or RT) corrected dGPS coordinate. If available, use of an acoustic positioning system is encouraged to map the ROV flight. If an acoustic positioning system is not available, marker buoys may be used to navigate to transect start points. Use a professional GPS with the positioning software, if this is not available, report alternate positioning methodology and identify where uncorrected positions are used.

Other Sensitive Habitats: When choosing the methodology, consideration must be given to what other sensitive habitats

may be impacted by the choice of methodology. For instance, if Hexactinellid sponge are found in the area where you will be conducting the lingcod survey then deploying an anchor or “canon ball” would not be an appropriate methodology for locating transect start points as this would likely result in damage to the sponge complexes.

Transect Length: Will vary based on air consumption and number of lingcod egg masses observed.

SCUBA Video: One member of the dive team should record the area covered during the swim via hand held video camera. The depth should periodically be recorded on the video by holding the diver depth gauge up to the camera. The video must be clear and focused. The swimming speed should be reasonably slow such that the species encountered are clear and identifiable. The diver operating the video camera should ensure that some overall wider view shots are taken of adjacent areas. Supplementary lighting may be required.

For ROV Video methods refer to Section 3: Benthic ROV Surveys – Recommended Methods.

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Observations: If a nest is encountered the following information should be recorded:

• Depth (from diver’s gauge then corrected to chart datum). • Approximate size of the eggmass. Codes: W = Watermelon; C = Cantaloupe; G = Grapefruit. Other sizes

may be encountered please record appropriately. • Condition (additional lighting may be required). Condition codes: N=new (eggs are white or pinkish); E =

eyed (grayish, eyes may be observable), R = rotten, H = hatched. • Slope estimation. • Substrate spawned upon (for instance: bedrock vertical crevice, bedrock horizontal crevice, under

boulder, in the open, on sponge, base of rock wall, bedrock under overhang etc.) • Nest guarding male: Often one male may guard more than one egg mass. Each male lingcod will be

given a number so if the first male you encounter is guarding only one egg mass, then nest number 1 will be associated with Male 1 (M1). If eggmass 2 and 3 appear to be guarded by the same lingcod (different from M1) then nest numbers 2 and 3 will be associated with M2. If there is an egg mass without a guarding male, indicate the absence of the male with "A". If a lingcod is noted and does not appear to be associated with any egg mass within the survey area record this individual as a non‐ guarding male and number then sequentially (NG 1, NG 2). These NG individuals can be recorded in the “Other” column.

• Other observations to take note of include, but are not limited to, wood waste, sedimentation on eggs or substrate, Beggiatoa‐like species etc.

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Lingcod Eggmass Data Collection Sheet

Site Name: Date: (yy/mm/dd)

Diver 1: Diver 2:

Transect #: dGPS start: dGPS end:

Bottom Time:

Nest Information

Nest #

Depth (corrected

to chart datum)

Approx. size of

egg mass

Condition of egg mass

Slope

Substrate Spawned

Upon

Nest Guarding

Male

Other Observations

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

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APPENDIX C‐2.7 – OTHER CRITICAL/SENSITIVE HABITAT SURVEYS

For survey requirements for the other critical and sensitive habitats, please contact your local area DFO biologist prior to undertaking a survey.

Salmon Spawning Area – if the 1g flux overlays the intertidal area immediately adjacent to a stream, a stream survey

must be completed to determine presence of salmonids and species. If pink and chum are identified as present in the stream and if suitable spawning habitat exists at the mouth of the creek the intertidal area associated with the creek mouth must be mapped. For this purpose, the mouth of the creek is defined as the point/points where the fresh water meets the sea when the tide is at chart datum. Refer to Part II, Section A‐6 for the survey requirements.

Herring Spawning Area – No survey is required if herring or herring spawn is observed. Herring spawn areas can be identified using the mapping resource at this link: http://www.pac.dfo‐mpo.gc.ca/science/species‐ especes/pelagic‐pelagique/herring‐hareng/herspawn/pages/default0‐eng.html. Information regarding spawning areas should be included in the application.

Rockfish Rearing/Nursery Area – this survey may be triggered by the presence of juvenile/sub‐adult rockfish.

Salmon Rearing Area‐ if the 1g flux overlays the intertidal area associated with a stream, a stream survey must be completed to determine presence of salmonids and species. If suitable rearing habitat exists at the mouth of the creek the intertidal area associated with the creek mouth must be mapped. For this purpose, the mouth of the creek is defined as the point/points where the fresh water meets the sea when the tide is at chart datum. A stream survey should be submitted when a proposed facility will be located within 1km of a salmonid‐bearing stream. Refer to Part II, Section A‐6 for the survey requirements.

Unique Features – Unique features are generally classified as an organism, community or habitat that is not commonly observed.

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0

APPENDIX C‐3 – CURRENTS METERING

The intention of metering currents is to characterize the current flow in the vicinity of the farm site. The data is used to determine the dispersive nature of the site, assess the potential fate and extent of waste material released at the farm site (modelling of footprint) and estimate the site carrying capacity. These protocols are directed to fixed mooring recording current meters, rather than profiling instruments such as Acoustic Doppler Current Profiling (ADCP).

Equipment

At minimum, two electronic current meters capable of determining both speed and direction are necessary. The meters must have an internal data‐logger, which can be pre‐set for a selected sampling interval with measurements automatically recorded. Both vector averaging and instantaneous type meters area acceptable. Only those with expertise in using current meters should program and deploy these devices and extract and process the collected data.

Deployment Procedures

Synchronous deployment is required

Measure the currents at a minimum of two depths, 15 metres below the surface and 5 metres above the substrate, unless the water depth is greater than 50 metres at which point an additional measurement must be obtained mid‐ water.

At minimum, measure the currents at each containment structure array. In some cases, because of complex bathymetry, additional locations in proximity to the array may have to be measured.

Program current meter to record current speed and direction instantaneously or, preferably, as averages from continuous measurements over a two minute period at least once every 30 minutes over a minimum period of 30 days.

At sites with a containment structure array in place, locate the meter within 100 metres of the array but away from any attenuation effects (anthropogenic, temporary), and in line with the dominant current direction.

At sites where the containment structure is not yet in place, locate the meter with 30 metres of the proposed location of the array.

Reporting

This information must be included with a text file containing the raw current data (and including any ancillary data recorded by the meter (e.g. pressure, battery level, pitch and roll) and associated data summaries:

Current meter moorings and deployment locations

a. Supply both a site plan and a written description (e.g. 30 m at 27 o

from the southwest corner of the (proposed) containment structure array), including dGPS co‐ordinates, of the location(s) of the current meters. A 1:20,000 scale map is recommended. Indicate whether the dGPS co‐ordinates and maps are based on the NAD27 or NAD83 co‐ordinate system.

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b. Supply a mooring diagram showing how the current meters were deployed. Include:

i. the type and position (surface and sub‐surface) of the flotation devices used to support the current meters during deployment

ii. the distances between the current meter and the flotation device

iii. the type and weights of anchors used.

Start date and time

Record the data and time that the current monitoring commenced (i.e. the individual date and time that each meter began to collect and record good quality data). Indicate whether time is recorded as Pacific Daylight Time (UTC‐7) or Pacific Standard Time (UTC‐8).

End date and time

Record the date and time that the current monitoring was terminated for each meter (i.e. the date and time the current meter collected its last good record of the currents before it was recovered). Indicate whether time is recorded as UTC‐7 or UTC‐8.

Instrument details

Provide the make and model of the current meters used, including a copy of the manufacturer’s specifications, and date of last calibration and servicing.

Number of data points

Report the actual number of instantaneous or average measurements recorded by the meter. If either instantaneous measurements or average values for 2 minute intervals are taken every 30 minutes, there will be approximately 1400 data points for the 30 day mooring period.

Sample Rate and Interval

Report the sample interval (minutes) between consecutive 2 minute measurements. The sampling interval must be 30 minutes or less.

Data processing and reporting

Describe the data‐processing methods and software used to correct and process the current meter data. Indicate whether the current direction is in degrees True (recommended) or degrees magnetic.

Indicate whether the current meter average or instantaneous measurements are recorded, and describe the instrument’s set‐up or configuration. If the meter records average measurements, indicate the averaging interval.

Details should be provided in distinct sections of the report under the appropriate section headings or titles.

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Depth of meter

Report the depth of the meter below the water surface or the distance of the meter from the substrate. The meter should be 15m below the surface for surface‐currents measurements, midway between surface and substrate for mid‐water measurements (if overall depth of water is greater than 50 metres) and 5 metres above the substrate for bottom‐current measurements.

Water depth and tidal range

Report the water depth and tidal range at the location of deployment.

Average current speed and direction

Calculate the average current speed and direction for the entire data‐collection period (minimum of 30 days and 1440 measurements). Values should be calculated from the entire dataset, not from the summary data. Data to be reported in matrix, histogram and rosette formats. The current speed is to be reported in cm/s while current direction is to be in degrees True (include magnetic north readings and correction factor).

Contact names

Provide the name and contact information of the staff person or consulting company responsible for collecting and reporting the current measurements.

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Elev

atio

n Re

lativ

e to

Cha

rt D

atum

(m

) El

evat

ion

Rel

ativ

e to

Char

t D

atum

(m)

Elev

atio

n R

elat

ive t

o Ch

art

Dat

um (m

)

APPENDIX C‐4 – DEPTH PROFILE EXAMPLES

6 4 2 0

-2 -4 -6 -8

-10 -12 -14

Transect 1 0 2 10 20 52 75 80 92 108 128 165 200

Horizontal Distance from HHW (m)

6 4 2 0

-2 -4 -6 -8

-10 -12 -14

Transect 2 0 2 20 32 50 62 68 70 85 90 105 115 150 165 107 200

Horizontal Distance from HHW (m)

6 4 2 0

-2 -4 -6 -8

-10 -12 -14

Transect 3 0 1 12 20 30 50 60 65 75 82 100 120 140 150 163 200

Horizontal Distance from HHW (m)

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Di:.tance Depth (m)* Substrate Vegetation Fauna Notes (meters along transect)

(adjusted to chart datum) Common

Name Latin Name Co,·er Common Name Latin Name Co\-er

0-5.0 ...2.3- -2.9 Creviced bedrock with occ.asional boulders

Rocl."Hd Umdenh.fied Reds

la=nans

Fucus sp. Unident. juveniles

90in upper lm of depth 60

30 between ...1 and -2.9

Barnacle limpet T1de Pool Sculp n

ShmerPerch

Kelp grMDling Copper rockfish

Unidentified

TeC'rura scurum Oligocortus maculosus

Cymatogaster aggr;;gata

Haagrammos d;;cagrammus

Sebastss cauri11us

60from -2.3 to -1.5 approx

abundant** sp ..e

common

I

3

5.1-10 -2.9 -- 9.7 Sand.lshell b.l!Jl; T3J"e.lsporadic cobble/gra\·el

Corallme Junm.le Bull Kelp

Unici Encrust- ti.ng Ner60CJStis lue.tkuma

so co\·erage on the cobble

Tube dwelling anemon.e Siphons Geoduck Horse cla.m

Pachycsriamhus fimbriaru.s Unidentified Panopea abrupta Trc;sus sp.

Common Abundant Rare Common

D1gpits Fresb bin.h-e debris

i Elll i li

::: 0 C:::J <!lv

1i

--<!lo

I.X.-niPLE f ort>short> Transt>(t Spt>dt>s List Tablt> Site name: Date: Surveyor name: Tramed>i:

Total Transect Length (m): Max. Depth: dGPS start of transect: dGPS end of transect:

1.0 M

.'1.".".'1. 0

"'1""'1' '1""'1 CIJ 110 n:J c.. ... Cll

"'C c:: CIJ c. c. <(

*Depth from diver depth gauge must be correct to and reported relative to chart datum (eg. -Sm = 5 m be.low chart datum: +1 = 1 m above chart datum). **Please provide definition of descriptors.

z 0

j :::J a_ a_ <( w 0: :::J '::::; :::J u <(

6 <( I

"u_' z u_

wz,-"-"<" -0 0:"' <( '

u:::J

<( .. a_W wi- I<( 1-0 ow 1w-:t:::;: Ow 5"- (!):t

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APPENDIX D – FISH HEALTH MANAGEMENT PLAN

Salmonid Health Management Plan (HMP)1

of [corporate entity name]

will serve as an appendix of the Marine Finfish Aquaculture Licence(s):

• AQFF AQ… • AQFF AQ…

[NB. This template is designed to facilitate the principles of HMPs applicable to a number of cultured finfish types or facilities ‐ aspects common to: salmonids, non‐salmonids (i.e. sablefish), marine open‐water netpens, fresh open‐water netpens, and marine solid‐wall arrays].

To complete, the Licence Holder will please:

1. Fill‐in names/items highlighted in blue, 2. in some paragraphs, select or delete the applicable item in blue, 3. complete this title page and assign the licence(s) to which this HMP (and SOPs herein) apply, 4. remove the “Template” watermark, 5. remove all yellow highlights, and 6. adjust the footer (pages 2 to 12) to reflect the latest update.

1 OBJECTIVES, PERSONNEL & EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Health Management Plan (HMP) submitted to Fisheries and Oceans Canada as part of both the Marine and Freshwater/Land‐based Finfish Aquaculture Licences serves three purposes: i) to outline good health conditions for cultured finfish raised by [corporate entity name] within the [marine] [freshwater/land‐based] ecosystem; ii) to reflect a commitment by [corporate entity name] to comply with the principles, concepts, and required elements of fish health management when culturing finfish or gametes thereof in, or destined for, the marine environment, unless otherwise depicted by site‐specific conditions of licence (i.e. culturing finfish in any open‐ water ecosystem) and; iii) to be used by [corporate entity name]’s facility staff for training and for day‐to‐day interaction with the fish, and by other fish health staff who are responsible for maintaining and monitoring good health status of the fish, and by the Licence Holder’s Health Management Team who makes decisions related to fish health.

This document forms one of two components of [corporate entity name]’s overall Health Management Plan (HMP): i) concepts; and ii) proprietary Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This HMP document will form [Appendix # (FF)] [Appendix # (FW/LB)] of the current Finfish Aquaculture Licence under the Pacific Aquaculture Regulations (PAR, 2010). As an appendix of the Finfish Aquaculture Licence, this document is the publicly available component and commits [corporate entity name] to ensure and maintain the health and

1 Template updated November 2012. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Aquaculture Management Division (DFO‐ AMD) of British Columbia

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wholesomeness of its cultured finfish. It also commits [corporate entity name] to abide by four key principles of the management of health:

1. Characterizing the health status of the animal population 2. Identifying and managing risks 3. Reducing exposure to disease‐causing agents 4. Judicious application of chemicals and drugs

Functionally, this document applies to [corporate entity name]’s open‐water containment arrays (net pens or solid wall) [and to open‐water body broodstock‐rearing facilities, when present]. A number of health concepts herein may refer to an SOP that coincides with other health concepts (i.e. both biosecurity and fish handling may refer to the same net changing SOP (i.e. SOPs of sections 3 and 7), common to both concepts. In addition, SOPs may be identified as either site‐specific or practiced at all Licence Holder’s facilities.

The proprietary SOPs cited in this HMP document are initially submitted in their entirety to Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Aquaculture Management Division (DFO‐AMD) for review and response. Thereafter, amendments to the SOPs will be submitted annually for Departmental review and response.

[Yellow highlights in this template depict tangible indicators of each concept easily verified and inspected].

1.1 Personnel Duties and Responsibilities

1.1.1 Veterinarian

[Corporate entity name]’s attending Veterinarian (either staff or private contract vet), in conjunction with fish health staff, has agreed to be responsible in overseeing matters of fish health management for [corporate entity name]. The Veterinarian is licensed in BC and fosters a lawful Veterinarian‐client‐ patient relationship with the Licence Holder. The Veterinarian is responsible for disease diagnoses, interpretations, and writing prescriptions and is expected to exercise good medical judgment in matters of fish health. Veterinary contact information is posted and available to on‐site fish health staff.

1.1.2 Fish Health Manager/Technicians/Team

Job descriptions for the Fish Health Manager, Fish Health Technicians, Fish Health Biologist and other positions are available at the Head Office of [corporate entity name]. This “Fish Health Management Team” refers to those persons, including the Veterinarian, who are responsible for major fish health decisions. The Team is responsible for identifying and managing risks in an attempt to maximize fish health.

1.1.3 Facility Staff Play a Role

As per conditions of licence, all facility staff have read and abide by this HMP and relevant operational SOPs, signed‐off, and practice appropriate hygienic procedures supportive of fish health. General farm staff may be assigned specific fish health duties from time to time.

1.1.4 Contact Names and Numbers

Contact names and numbers for key fish health personnel, including emergency numbers for regulatory authorities and services, are posted in readily accessible location(s) at each facility.

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2 HEALTH CONCEPTS & REQUIRED ELEMENTS

2.1 Biosecurity

Disease‐causing agents (pathogens) may be spread by sick fish (wild or cultured) through the water, on shared equipment, other animals, or inadvertently by personnel, visitors or their personal gear. Entrance of potential pathogens is minimized by supporting an effective biosecurity “barrier” at each facility. Biosecurity measures apply to all personnel, visitors, divers, suppliers, regulators, vessels, and all equipment. Biosecurity has three main goals: keeping fish healthy, keeping pathogens out, and keeping disease from spreading. See the heading below: “Keeping Pathogens Out’ for operational SOPs.

2.2 Keeping Fish Healthy

Keeping fish as healthy as possible is critical in preventing disease from arising at the containment facility, and/or from spreading within a facility.

2.2.1 Single Year‐Class Farms

Containment arrays (i.e. production farms, not including broodstock holding facilities) ideally contain a single year‐class of finfish livestock to minimize the transmission of pathogens between age classes of fish. In other words, an ‘all stock in; all stock out’ approach is encouraged. However, due to siting or production limitations [corporate entity’s name] is acknowledged by the Department to raise multi‐ year‐class fish at this specific location.

2.2.2 Suitable Rearing Environment and Security

[Corporate entity name] is responsible for ensuring a suitable rearing environment for the fish so they remain healthy. Requirements related to materials used in the construction and maintenance of rearing units provide security and minimize risk of potential escape or harm to fish. Facilities are staffed 24‐ hours daily or are locked, alarmed, secured or otherwise monitored to control entry and deter vandalism. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

2.2.3 Normal Fish Behaviour is Observed

Fish are routinely monitored for signs of normal health and disease. All staff are familiar with normal fish appearance and behaviour. Early detection of altered activity is key to maintaining health and disease management so changes in behaviour and physical condition are logged and reported to facility managers upon discovery. To minimize stress and mortality, fish are held at cost‐effective, species‐ specific densities.

2.2.4 Predator Control

Predators include birds, other fish, and mammals. Reasonable, due diligent attempts are made to exclude predators from the facility and from interacting with the fish. As detailed and required in the conditions of licence [corporate entity name] follows mitigation procedures striving toward minimal predator interaction with the cultured fish. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

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2.2.5 Feed and Nutrition The objective of good nutrition is to optimize fish health and growth so fish receive sufficient quantity and quality of feed. [Corporate entity name] has procedures in place for healthy, hygenic delivery of feed to fish. Proper storage of feed is essential to maintaining its nutritional quality. Feed is stored in structures designed to minimize spillage, spoilage, and wildlife’s access to feed. Feed is also protected from extremes of heat, sunlight and moisture. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

2.3 Fish Handling Techniques

2.3.1 Routine Handling Techniques

[Corporate entity name]’s fish handling procedures ‐ including types of equipment used and equipment maintenance ‐ are designed to minimize stress, injury, escape and predisposing fish to disease. Observing fish during handling, and for a period after handling, ensures any negative effects are noted and steps are taken to mitigate impact. Staff minimize the time fish are exposed to stressful events such as crowding and out‐of‐water events (i.e. moving, counting, grading, tagging, injecting, etc.). Each handling event is logged. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

2.3.2 Harvesting

If fish are being live‐hauled to a processing plant measures are taken to minimize their stress during handling and transport. If fish are stunned and bled at the containment array they are stunned using humane procedures. Stress reduction is practiced to as great a degree as possible. [Corporate entity name]’s specific slaughter objectives and conditions vary yet specific harvest procedures (i.e. seine, brail, pump, etc.) are detailed in the SOP. Blood water is contained to the best of [corporate entity name]’s ability to minimize leakage. For specific diseases of concern, I.e., IHN viral infections, special harvest SOPs apply. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

2.4 Monitoring Water Quality

[Corporate entity name] routinely monitors and records water quality parameters at its facilities to ensure optimal fish health. Monitoring varies between specific licence holdings depending on location and hydrographic specifics of the local environment yet dissolved oxygen, water clarity, and temperature monitoring are minimal requirements.

2.4.1 Contingency Plans

[Corporate entity name] maintains a contingency of procedures in the event of deterioration of water quality and procedures vary depending on cause. Cessation of feeding is immediate. Water quality monitoring is enhanced to determine the problem and to estimate how long the problem may persist. Fish are monitored more closely for the duration of the event and will not be handled until water quality is deemed acceptable. Records of these events, findings and actions are kept. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

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2.5 Keeping Pathogens Out

Reasonable and necessary precautions are taken to mitigate infections at the facility. Often pathogens indigenous to the ecosystem are difficult to exclude from open or semi‐open ecosystems but the development of disease can be minimised or prevented.

2.5.1 Personnel / Visitor / Diver / Supplier Movement

Where possible, personnel and visitors avoid travel between [corporate entity name]’s containment arrays. If such travel is unavoidable, personnel and visitors adhere to all biosecurity procedures at each facility. Procedures are posted or explained to all visitors as part of the visitor log‐in event. Suppliers are advised of containment array procedures and delivery‐order in advance. Suppliers attending multiple facilities may be denied access. Staff will notify suppliers [and divers] if any specific disease of concern arises. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

2.5.2 Equipment / Vehicle Movement

Where possible, [corporate entity name] equipment is not shared between containment arrays. This includes fish handling equipment, vehicles, feeding, monitoring and other equipment. Equipment is kept as clean as possible at all times to prevent possible spread of pathogens; it is cleaned and disinfected after each use and re‐stored to its proper location. Equipment drying is also practiced when possible. Items which must be used at more than one facility are subject to biosecurity and disinfection measures. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

2.5.3 Moving Fish between Facilities

Transferring fish between culture facilities is minimized; however, due to siting or production objectives [corporate entity’s name] may relocate fish provided all required permits are obtained in advance, carried during transport, and filed at both source and receiving facilities. Particular care is taken to avoid undue fish stress, transmission of pathogens, or the possibility of escape. [Where well‐boats are used, water quality is closely maintained and monitored to minimize stress during transport.] Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

2.6 Monitoring Fish Health and Disease

[Corporate entity name]’s fish are monitored at least once daily for any unusual behaviour, visible lesions or other signs of illness. Changes in behaviour and physical condition are reported to management or fish health staff. Water quality is also routinely monitored (as above).

2.6.1 Carcass Collection Mortality is natural in all populations. All efforts are made by [corporate entity name] to minimize infection and disease within a containment array. Optimal hygiene, disinfection, and carcass collection helps to maintain population health. Carcasses are collected, classified and recorded on a routine and frequent basis to minimize the potential spread of pathogens and to minimize the attraction of predators. If a mortality event arises, it is managed according to licence conditions and its specific SOP. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

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2.6.2 Carcass Classification Carcasses are examined for obvious cause(s) of mortality and/or signs of disease. As detailed and required in the conditions of licence, [corporate entity name] records and reports the classifications of mortality at least as follows, and the Fish Health Management Team of [corporate entity name] is notified of any unusual counts or types of lesions / mortality:

• Environmental (oxygen, water quality, storms, entrapment, nutritional) • Fresh “silvers” • Handling or transport damage (trauma) • Maturation • Old (decomposed) • Poor performers • Predator attack • Dead wild finfish carcasses (number and type, i.e. herring‐like, rockfish‐like, etc.)

Diagnostic sampling is conducted as per [corporate entity name]’s procedures, or upon instruction by the Veterinarian, the Fish Health Management Team, or the Department (DFO‐AMD), and recorded and reported as per licence. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

2.6.3 Specific Fish Health Procedures

2.6.3.1 Anaesthetizing and sedating fish A variety of fish health procedures require that fish be sedated or anaesthetized for welfare and to minimize stress. Registered anaesthetics are obtained through a veterinarian. Anaesthetized fish are monitored closely at all times. Adequate water quality of the anaesthetic bath, in particular available dissolved oxygen, is maintained. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

2.6.3.2 Sea lice monitoring (marine licences only)

Sea lice abundance (i.e. counts) requires monitoring to make effective control and management decisions. Requirements are detailed in conditions of licence. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

2.6.3.3 Vaccinating fish

Vaccines are administered occasionally at containment arrays and form part of an integrated fish health management program. Vaccines are biologic substances that are stored (refrigerated), handled, and applied as per manufacturer’s instructions. [Corporate entity name] staff are appropriately trained prior to undertaking a vaccination procedure. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

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2.6.3.4 Euthanasia In the uncommon event where numerous fish are euthanized (i.e. to facilitate specific fish measurements, sampling, mercy‐killing, or culling), it is recorded and conducted in as humane a manner as possible, facilitating a rapid and irreversible loss of consciousness. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

2.7 Fish Health Records

Many records are computerized and form part of the integrated licence holder record‐keeping system. Backups are maintained. [Corporate entity name] provides adequate system training and documentation to authorized facility personnel, including data entry and report creation. Record‐keeping, storage, reporting and [corporate entity name]’s Fish Health Management Team review is followed as per conditions of licence.

2.8 Fish Disease Outbreaks / Emergency

A fish health emergency is any situation where the health of a fish population is suddenly at risk. This may be due to disease‐causing agents (such as a pathogenic virus) or to abrupt water quality changes (such as plankton blooms, a toxin, or a sudden, severe decline in dissolved oxygen). Vigilant monitoring, recording and early detection is key to good management of health emergencies.

An outbreak is defined as an unexpected occurrence of mortality or disease. Not all outbreaks are infectious or fish health emergencies. Infectious diseases may differ in how contagious they are and therefore how easy or difficult they are to control. Rapid response is essential but will be determined on a case‐by‐case basis in conjunction with the Veterinarian, the Fish Health Management Team, and/or by regulatory authority. Once an outbreak / emergency has been recognized, specific steps are followed. The objective is to keep the pathogen concentration (or load) as low as possible and to prevent spread of the problem within or off the facility. Biosecurity is enhanced. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

2.9 Escaped Medicated Fish

The requirements and procedures related to fish escapes are conditions of licence. In the unlikely event of large, medicated, cultured fish escaping from the containment array (i.e. those with drug residues), [corporate entity name]’s facility staff will immediately inform their Veterinarian and Fish Health Management Team who, in turn, will contact the Department Veterinarian(s) of DFO‐AMD as soon as possible to facilitate the potential need of a general fisheries advisory and/or closure. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

2.10 Handling Drugs and Chemicals

Fish health and survival is sometimes optimized with judicious use of veterinary prescribed therapeutants. The Veterinarian attending [corporate entity name] maintains a veterinarian‐client‐patient relationship to facilitate diagnoses and prescription treatments. These decisions are taken considering both the welfare of fish and the ecosystem.

2.10.1 Medicated Feed Storage, Administration and Inventory

Medicated feed, if used, is stored in clearly marked bags, easily distinguishable from non‐medicated feed. The medicated feed is inventoried and recorded daily as the feed is offered to the fish according to

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prescription. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for all medications used at the facility is on‐site and readily accessible. [Corporate entity name] ensures that all chemicals are handled safely by appropriately trained staff, taking suitable precautions. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

2.10.2 Treatment Records

As per conditions of licence specific and detailed records of medicated feed administration are kept on‐ site for the entire time the fish are present. In combination with inventory records, the fish groups that were treated are readily identifiable through treatment and withdrawal times. A copy of the treatment history will accompany the target fish to another containment array if the fish are subsequently moved. [Corporate entity name] does not harvest fish until they have cleared the withdrawal period prescribed by the Veterinarian. As per regulations and licence, when fish are delivered to a processing plant a Population Harvest Declaration accompanies harvest fish to ensure seafood safety and wholesomeness.

2.10.3 Chemicals and Biologicals

2.10.3.1 Disinfectants, chemicals, and biologicals

Disinfectants and chemicals are stored in clearly marked containers. An MSDS for each disinfectant at the facility is on‐site and readily accessible. [Corporate entity name] ensures that all chemicals are handled safely by appropriately trained staff, taking suitable precautions.

Biologicals include vaccines. Where applicable, these products are stored refrigerated and handled as per manufacturer’s instructions. A product insert for each vaccine at the facility is on‐site and readily accessible. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

3 BROODSTOCK – SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Broodstock may be held at marine, brackish, or freshwater facilities. All fish health aspects of this HMP appendix apply (e.g., biosecurity, routine monitoring, treatments, emergencies, records) though they differ between saltwater and freshwater facilities. For example, water quality monitoring and contingency planning will differ between marine and freshwater broodstock sites.

3.1 Suitable Rearing Environment

[Corporate entity name] is responsible to provide a suitable, safe and secure rearing environment. Escape and predation prevention is essential.

3.2 Feed and Nutrition

Broodstock often require specially formulated diets to meet their nutritional requirements prior to full maturation. Broodstock feeding strategies differ from those of production fish, particularly as they begin to mature and stop feeding. Proper storage of these diets is essential to maintaining their nutritional value; feed is stored in structures designed to minimize spillage, spoilage, and wildlife’s access to feed; feed is also be protected from extremes of heat, sunlight and moisture.

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3.3 Biosecurity [Corporate entity name] raises mature broodstock for a period of time longer than production fish. Where possible, designated staff and equipment are selected to interact with broodstock. Strict disinfection and hygiene procedures are in place. At freshwater facilities shared by other fish year‐classes, biosecurity is particularly vital to prevent the transfer of pathogens from the mature fish to susceptible young fry.

To minimize two‐way transmission of disease, mature broodstock are held at a designated facility or in a portion of a facility, removed from production or hatchery fish. Broodstock in freshwater may use a separate water supply. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

3.4 Selection and Handling

Broodstock are handled individually at least once. Aquaculture facility personnel select broodstock for specific traits, and all broodstock are sorted by sex and for “ripeness”, i.e. whether or not they are fully mature. Handling individual brood fish is be done with care and with minimal stress to prevent negative effects on gametes (eggs and milt). Anaesthesia and sedation is used to minimize time and exposure to anaesthetic compounds, and to provide gentle handling and recovery. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

3.5 Medications

Broodstock are medicated preventatively for specific infections prior to maturation, particularly for those infectious pathogens that may be transmitted “vertically”, i.e. from parent to egg. The type and timing of applied medications is determined by [corporate entity name]’s Veterinarian and Fish Health Management Team. The medications are used according to prescription and are inventoried and recorded daily. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for all medications used at the facility is on‐site and readily accessible. [Corporate entity name] ensures that all medications are handled safely by appropriately trained staff, taking suitable precautions. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

3.6 Egg and Milt Collection

Egg and milt collection is conduction in as hygienic a manner as possible to prevent transmission of pathogens to other broodstock or progeny. Brood fish are anaesthetized and gametes are harvested. Females are euthanized in a humane manner. Males, if used for multiple egg takes, are monitored for recovery from anaesthesia and returned to holding unit(s). Proper hygiene and disinfection is practiced. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

3.7 Disease Screening

Disease screening procedures are conducted at the time of spawning to mitigate risk of vertical transmission of pathogens to progeny. Tests performed are at the discretion of the Veterinarian but may include: screening for BKD (female broodstock) [and viral screening]. Additional testing may be performed at the discretion of the Veterinarian. Samples for disease screening are collected using aseptic technique. The location of progeny from sampled fish is tracked until such time the screening results are received and reviewed by the Veterinarian and/or Fish Health Management Team.

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3.8 Egg Disinfection Eggs are safely disinfected following fertilization and water hardening. This disinfection is conducted either at the Broodstock facility or once the gametes enter the hatchery. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

3.9 Egg (and/or Milt) Transportation

Pre‐arranged permits are required when eggs or milt are transported and permits must accompany the gametes during transport. Transport occurs in clean, labelled containers with secure lids. Strict disinfection and biosecurity procedures are followed to prevent transmission of pathogens from the broodstock facility to the hatchery. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

3.10 Identifying Progeny

Female brood are labelled and corresponding eggs are clearly labelled to match (by date and parents or batch of parents).

3.11 Records

Records are kept for egg‐take and broodstock pathogen screening. Records accompany each shipment of eggs from the broodstock facility to the hatchery receiving the eggs, whether destined for on‐site or off‐site incubation.

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APPENDIX D‐1 – LIST OF STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOP’S) FOR HMP

Examples of SOP Section numbers (+/‐ title)

Marine and/or Freshwater Net Pen

Facility Name

Broodstock Hatchery

1.1 Predator Exclusion2 1.2 Feed storage 1.3 Fish handling techniques 2.1 etc. Marking fish Water quality monitoring Water quality equipment calibration and maintenance

Company water quality contingency plan

Site and staff disinfection protocols Visitor protocol Equipment disinfection Mortality pick ups Diver disinfection per site Diver protocols if diving multiple sites Supplier protocols (general) Fish transport Mortality collection and disposal Mortality classifications Fish health sampling protocols

o Proper collection and shipping of samples

o Lab work (on site, in house, referral)

Anaesthesia Sea lice monitoring (in process) Vaccines handling and storage

o Dip vaccination o Intraperitoneal (IP)

vaccination

Euthanasia Infectious disease emergency protocols

Quarantine Risk assessment for fish releases Medicated feed handling and storage Administering medicated feed

2

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BMP – disposal of spent disinfectants Broodstock biosecurity Broodstock anaesthesia

o Handling o Recovery

Broodstock handling Broodstock treatments Egg take Disease screening protocols Egg disinfection Egg (Milt) transport Egg treatments Alevin treatments

An example template for each HMP‐SOP cited within the HMP generic document:

1.1 [NAME OF SOP] I.E. VISITOR AND SUPPLIER SOP

SCOPE

This procedure addresses requirements under ….– Operational Control.

OBJECTIVE

To maintain biosecurity/biocontainment protocols while allowing non‐site personnel to visit the facility and to communicate to all visitors the necessary procedures to prevent exposure to potential contaminants or disease agents from outside sources.

EQUIPMENT

• Virkon • Sprayers • Footbaths

RESPONSIBILITIES

All facility staff are responsible to ensure that all visitors and suppliers are adhering to the following procedures and to enforce these procedures when necessary. Visitors are responsible to follow these procedures and complete the Visitor Log. PROCEDURE

[Applicant name] reserves the right to deny access to any facility for fish health or any other reason. An individual may be a potential vector for disease if they have been to other farms, hatcheries, streams or other water bodies.

All visitors must first visit any freshwater facilities, then sea sites and processing plants with a 24 HOUR withdrawal period between each operational area. [Applicant name] reserves the right to adjust this procedure as deemed necessary.

Marine facilities must be visited in the order of youngest to oldest generation unless a fish health event causes an alteration to the order. All visitors must check with [Applicant name] for a current visitation order.

[Applicant name] EMPLOYEES

1. Office staff or Senior Management will follow the proper visitation order when visiting multiple sites. 2. Individuals visiting sites will wear proper footwear provided by the office. 3. When walking around facility, individuals will wear an approved PFD device. 4. Use of footbaths and proper hygiene is mandatory.

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OTHER VISITORS

1. Staff should confirm with the office that Management has given the visitor(s) approval to be on site if not previously informed.

2. If a certain site has a fish health concern, except in special cases, visitors will not be allowed to visit the site. 3. All visitors must report to the office to read the Visitor Policy and sign the log book. Surprise visitors such as

inspectors should be indicated on the Daily Sheets. 4. All visitors must change their footwear prior to stepping on site, steel toed rubber boots will be provided from

the office. 5. All visitors must wear a PFD provided by the office to the site and while on site. 6. Use of footbaths and proper hygiene is mandatory.

SAFETY

Visitors not familiar with sea sites should be closely monitored to ensure that they are following proper biosecurity procedures as well that they do no injure themselves or equipment while on site.

RECORDS

Appendix A: Visitor Policy, expectations and Log Daily Sheets *

SUPPLEMENTARY DOCUMENTATION

SOP 2.1 – Site and Staff Disinfection & Biosecurity

* Appendix A in this section is associated with the Standard Operating Procedures document only.

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APPENDIX E – CARCASS MANAGEMENT PLAN (FOR MARINE NON‐ SALMONIDS)

Monitoring Fish Health, Disease and Mortality

[Corporate entity name]’s live fish are monitored at least once daily for any unusual behaviour, visible lesions or other signs of illness. Changes in behaviour and physical condition are reported to management or fish health staff. Water quality is also routinely monitored as per Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

Carcass collection

Mortality is natural in all populations. All efforts are made by [corporate entity name] to minimize infection and disease within a containment array. Optimal hygiene, disinfection, carcass collection and containment helps to maintain population health. Carcasses are collected, classified, and recorded on a routine and frequent basis to minimize the potential spread of pathogens and to minimize the attraction of predators. If a mortality event arises, it is managed according to licence conditions and its specific SOP.

Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

Carcass classification

Carcasses are examined for obvious cause(s) of mortality and/or signs of disease. Presumed classifications of mortality are assigned and recorded as follows, and the Fish Health Management Team of [corporate entity name] is notified of any unusual counts or types of lesions / mortality:

• Environmental (oxygen, water quality, storms, entrapment, nutritional) • Fresh “silvers” • Handling or transport damage (trauma) • Maturation • Old (decomposed) • Poor performers • Predator attack • Dead wild finfish carcasses (number and type, i.e.g. herring‐like, rockfish‐like, etc.)

Diagnostic sampling is conducted as per [corporate entity name]’s procedures, or upon instruction by the Veterinarian, the Fish Health Management Team, or the Department (DFO‐AMD), and recorded and reported as per licence. Refer to proprietary SOPs in Section(s) of [corporate entity name’s] SOP manual or Best Management Practices.

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APPENDIX F – ESCAPE PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PLAN

The Escape Prevention and Response Plan shall describe policies, procedures, infrastructure, and other measures aimed at preventing finfish escape events and responding to finfish escape events at aquaculture facilities. The following document is a guide for the applicant to develop their Plan. It is recommended that, at a minimum, submitted plans identify policies and procedures for the following.

Outline:

1. Escape Prevention – Describe how you intend to prevent the escape of cultured fish from containment. It may

be appropriate to state company policy around escape prevention as a priority.

2. Best Management Practices – Describe the Best Management Practices your company has in place (if any) to prevent escapes by detailing:

a. Procedures and Staff Training:

i. Procedures – Describe what procedures you have in place or will have in place to prevent escapes such as daily inspection, when and how these will be conducted, and how inspection results will be recorded?

ii. Staff Training – Describe how you will prepare staff to prevent and respond to escape events. Will there be a certification period? Will there be daily toolbox meetings or drills?

b. Infrastructure: Describe the infrastructure you will use on the site. It may be useful to refer to design

diagrams. Indicate the type and size of nets and net breaking strengths.

i. Maintenance – Describe the maintenance procedures you will employ to ensure that your containment system is maintained and in good repair.

1. Net pens:

a. Inspection – How will net pens be inspected, how often, by whom and how will this information be recorded?

b. How will damage to nets be repaired and how will net strength requirements be met?

2. Support structures:

a. Inspection – How will support structures be inspected, how often, by whom, and how will this information be recorded?

b. Repair – How will damage be repaired to support structures? Will there be equipment on‐site to deal with repairs or will a specific company be contacted?

3. Standard Operating Procedures – Describe the SOPs your company has in place to respond to an escape event.

a. Mitigation to Escape or Suspected Escape – describe the specific procedures that will be used to respond to an escape event and prevent its continuance.

b. Records – Describe the record keeping procedures that will be used to document and record specific details of an escape or suspected escape event. What are the procedures that are in place to ensure that required forms and templates are filled out accurately and consistently? How will staff be trained on these procedures?

c. Reporting – Describe the reporting procedures that will be used to report specific details about an escape event or suspected escape event. Refer to Section 9.5 of the 2013 condition of licence.

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4. Escape Response Kit – Describe how staff will contain an escape. Will escape response materials be available on‐ site in a convenient location?

a. Location – Describe where necessary components of the escape response kit will be stored (it should be

readily accessible to site staff at all times). b. Contents – Describe the contents of the escape response kit.

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APPENDIX G – MAMMAL INTERACTION MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Mammal Interaction Management Plan shall describe policies, procedures, infrastructure, and other measures aimed at mitigating conflict with marine mammals at aquaculture facilities including those resulting from entanglements and those where lethal control methods are required. The following document is a guide for the applicant to develop their Plan. This document is to be completed for each site and must include completed entries for each of the sections listed. Licence holders may submit a plan for multiple facilities provided mitigation measures are identical for all those facilities. The list of these facilities should be provided on the first page of the plan.

Outline:

1. Mitigation – Describe the current or proposed measures to mitigate conflict with marine mammals according to

the following headings.

a. Infrastructure – Describe the current or proposed elements of infrastructure used to mitigate against marine mammal conflict as follows:

i. Anti‐Predator Nets ‐ Describe the current or proposed arrangement of the anti‐predator

netting system including details on the type, depth below water, distance between anti‐ predator nets and containment pens, location, etc. If you do not use or intend to use anti‐ predator netting or use or intend to use anti‐predator netting only seasonally, indicate that here and include the dates of installation and removal.

1. Mesh Size and Material ‐ Describe the current or proposed physical nature of the

structures used including the size or sizes of the mesh and the material from which they are constructed.

2. Maintenance Schedule – Describe the current or proposed maintenance measures

that will ensure that the mitigation measures are functioning as intended. a. Inspection ‐ How will the anti‐predation nets be inspected, how often, and by

whom and how will that information be recorded and stored? b. Repair ‐ How will the anti‐predation nets be repaired, how often, and by

whom and how will that information be recorded and stored?

ii. Perimeter Fencing ‐ Describe the current or proposed arrangement of the perimeter fencing including details on the type, height above water, distance between perimeter fencing and containment pens, etc. If you do not use or intend to use perimeter fencing or use or intend to use perimeter fencing only seasonally, indicate that here including the dates of installation and removal.

1. Type and Distribution ‐ Describe the current or proposed types of structures including

the size(s) of the mesh and the material from which they are constructed. Describe the location(s) where perimeter fencing will be used.

2. Maintenance Schedule ‐ Describe the current or proposed maintenance measures that

will ensure that the perimeter fencing is functioning as intended. a. Inspection ‐ How will the perimeter fencing be inspected, how often, and by

whom and how will that information be recorded and stored? b. Repair ‐ How will the perimeter fencing be repaired, how often, and by whom

and how will that information be recorded and stored?

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b. Non‐Lethal Deterrents ‐ Describe any non‐lethal deterrents you are using or intend to use including details on the type, methods of use, thresholds of use, etc. If you do not use or intend to use non‐lethal deterrents, indicate that here.

i. Approved Devices ‐ Describe types of non‐lethal deterrents that you currently use or intend to

use to deter marine mammals from entering into conflict with your facility. Practitioners are encouraged to outline the intended use of such methods or devices and acquire approval from DFO before employing them.

1. Procedures ‐ Describe the procedures including triggers, response thresholds,

methods, devices, and intended uses of any non‐lethal deterrents that are in use or intended to be used.

2. Staff Training ‐ Describe how you will prepare staff to use non‐lethal deterrents. Will

there be a certification period? Will there be daily toolbox meetings or drills?

c. Conflict Recording Standard Operating Procedures ‐ Describe the current or proposed methods used to record conflict of marine mammals with your facility.

i. Templates/Forms ‐ If you use or intend to use standard templates or forms fro recording

conflict with marine mammals, include those here.

1. Procedures ‐ Describe the record keeping procedures that will be used to document and record specific details of marine mammal conflict. What are the procedures that are in place to ensure that required forms and templates are filled out accurately and consistently? How will staff be trained on these procedures?

2. Staff training ‐ Describe how you will prepare staff to use the recording procedures. Will there be a certification period? Will there be periodic audits?

ii. Photos/Video ‐ Photos and/or video create important supporting documentation to describe a

history of conflict with individual marine mammals. Describe the current or proposed procedures used to record conflict in this manner. Novel procedures such as underwater cameras or motion trigger cameras may also be described here if used.

1. Procedures ‐ Describe the photo/video record keeping procedures that will be used to

document and record specific details of marine mammal conflict. 2. Staff Training ‐ Describe how you will prepare staff to use these recording procedures.

Will there be a certification period? Will there be periodic audits?

2. Lethal Control ‐ Describe the circumstances, safe work practices or procedures, and, where appropriate, company policies that relate to the use of lethal control.

a. Company/Site Policy and Standard Operating Procedures ‐ Describe your company or site policy and/or

standard operating procedures on the use of lethal control of marine mammals.

i. Procedure ‐ What procedures are in place for conducting and documenting the requirement for and the use of lethal control methods?

1. Detailed Circumstances ‐ Under what circumstances will the use of lethal control be

applied? How will these circumstances be determined and how will they be recorded?

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ii. Qualified Personnel ‐ Describe what personnel will be qualified to undertake lethal control measures. Will there be designated staff? Will they be on each site?

1. Qualification Process ‐ Describe how you will ensure that the staff designated to

undertake lethal control methods meet the qualifications required under licence.

a. Training and Marine Mammal Identification ‐ How will staff be trained in the safe and ethical dispatch of marine mammals? How will staff be trained in marine mammal identification?

b. Ongoing Training ‐ How will this training be maintained and kept up to date?

2. Credentials and Personal Identification Information ‐ The conditions of licence for aquaculture facilities have specific requirements on identifying staff or agents that may engage in lethal control. Describe how these conditions will be met.

a. Identification Procedures ‐ How will the identity of qualified staff be

established and maintained? b. Credential Verification Procedures ‐ How will you verify and record the

credential requirements of staff? c. Contact Information ‐ Where contractors are used or intended to be used,

how will you obtain and record the information required by licence conditions?

3. Site Specific Recommendations ‐ Operators are in the best position to know the specific challenges faced at any

given aquaculture facility. Often, it is known that marine mammals are a challenging component of the environment in a particular location or for a discrete period of time each year. Describe circumstances when you may use or intend to use site specific management practices to minimize marine mammal conflict.

a. Company Policy ‐ Do you or will you have a company policy with regard to specific sites? b. Site Policy ‐ What specific company policy items apply to this site, if any?