The Federal Role in Achieving Sustainable Aquaculture

1. The Federal Role in Achieving Sustainable Aquaculture Presentation to: Special Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture Paul Sprout Regional Director General February 1, 2006

2. Purpose of Today�s Presentation Outline DFO�s mandate and role in managing aquaculture in the Pacific Region. Highlight the key principles and objectives guiding the federal approach to aquaculture. Note examples of actions for supporting sustainable aquaculture. Thank you for the opportunity to present at your inaugural committee meeting. We see this as an opportunity to contribute to the committee�s important work, which is why I am joined by my senior colleagues from within the Region. introduce Laura Richards and Andrew Thomson � supported by Donna Martin, communications Our purpose here today is to: give you an insight into the strategic direction Canada is taking with respect to aquaculture help clarify the Pacific Region�s role in managing aquaculture, and generally, to provide an insight to the issues we grapple with every day, the operating environment we are in and our plan for addressing these challenges We have intentionally kept our presentation short and at a very high level for our first appearance before the committee�..at a later stage we anticipate the committee will be interested in drilling down into various aspects of the key issues, and we would be very pleased to present more detail at that time. Thank you for the opportunity to present at your inaugural committee meeting. We see this as an opportunity to contribute to the committee�s important work, which is why I am joined by my senior colleagues from within the Region. introduce Laura Richards and Andrew Thomson � supported by Donna Martin, communications Our purpose here today is to: give you an insight into the strategic direction Canada is taking with respect to aquaculture help clarify the Pacific Region�s role in managing aquaculture, and generally, to provide an insight to the issues we grapple with every day, the operating environment we are in and our plan for addressing these challenges We have intentionally kept our presentation short and at a very high level for our first appearance before the committee�..at a later stage we anticipate the committee will be interested in drilling down into various aspects of the key issues, and we would be very pleased to present more detail at that time.

3. Current Operating Context Aquaculture is represented by multiple species across diverse locations, however, salmon aquaculture in B.C. has become a highly polarized issue. Various groups have strongly held, and frequently divergent, views on the merits of salmon aquaculture. Current issues centre primarily around the potential for impacts on wild salmon: sea lice and disease impacts the effects of farm waste on the environment, and the expansion of farming There is increased public scrutiny of the industry and government actions to mitigate any impacts. Governments, federal and provincial, are often criticized for appearing to either: promote aquaculture at the expense of the environment, or conversely, be overly conservative and hinder development through regulatory burden. operating context in B.C. is considered to be the most challenging in the world. operating context in B.C. is considered to be the most challenging in the world.

4. Current Operating Context The industry has grown to become an important economic driver in coastal communities; at the same time the value of the commercial salmon harvest is declining. In the past decade, production from salmon aquaculture in B.C. has expanded threefold, and the value of farmed salmon now exceeds that of commercial salmon fisheries. In the global context, aquaculture is expected to continue to expand as traditional capture fisheries reach their limit of sustainability. Aquaculture is a vital and growing activity within this region of Canada with a future that is very much in all of our hands. Aquaculture is a vital and growing activity within this region of Canada with a future that is very much in all of our hands.

5. Fisheries and Oceans Mandate DFO is responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs in support of Canada�s scientific, ecological, social and economic interests in oceans and fresh waters. This mandate operates within broad Government of Canada direction and is supported by: Legislation Fisheries Act Oceans Act Canadian Environmental Assessment Act Species at Risk Act Policies Habitat Policy Aquaculture Policy Framework Strategies 2005-2010 National Strategic Plan - �Our Waters, Our Future�

6. DFO Vision and Principles for Sustainable Aquaculture Aquaculture Policy Framework (2002) Vision � Aquaculture should benefit Canadians through the culture of aquatic organisms while upholding the ecological and socio-economic values associated with Canada�s oceans and inland waters. Principles � Which emphasize: Supporting development that is consistent with ecosystem and integrated management Addressing public concerns in a fair and transparent manner Respecting constitutionally protected Aboriginal and Treaty rights Recognizing that aquaculture is a legitimate use of the marine resource Supporting responsible development of aquaculture Working with other governments and departments to coordinate policy development, integrate regulatory frameworks and improve service delivery

8. DFO Pacific Region�s Role in Aquaculture: Jurisdiction for regulation of aquaculture is shared between federal and provincial governments

9. Examples of Actions in Support of Aquaculture Incorporate new science-based tools. E.g. DEPOMOD - a computer model to predict waste deposition for more precise regulatory reviews of new farm sites. Standardize environmental assessment methods to ensure each review of new farms is done in a scientifically-sound and objective manner. Conduct risk assessments for the development of new aquaculture species.

10. Examples of Actions in Support of Aquaculture The department conducts a variety of developmental and ongoing research programs to inform its management decisions, specifically to: determine the environmental interactions of aquaculture study the eco-system effects of aquaculture and better assess cumulative impacts improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the industry through findings from leading-edge and developmental studies E.g. The Pink Salmon Action Plan for the Broughton Archipelago to provide the necessary information for better industry management. For more than 30 years, DFO has been involved in a wide range of aquaculture research programs to provide a sound science and technology base for innovation within the industry. Over this time, DFO scientists have pioneered many areas of research and have been recognized for several major findings in the areas of fish health, biotechnology, genetics and marine ecosystems interactions. We are sourcing additional facts to support our �science voice� For more than 30 years, DFO has been involved in a wide range of aquaculture research programs to provide a sound science and technology base for innovation within the industry. Over this time, DFO scientists have pioneered many areas of research and have been recognized for several major findings in the areas of fish health, biotechnology, genetics and marine ecosystems interactions. We are sourcing additional facts to support our �science voice�

11. Examples of Actions in Support of Aquaculture Manage the industry consistent with the standards and approaches applied in other habitat development activities. Support the Aboriginal Aquaculture Association and its efforts to coordinate First Nations� interests in aquaculture. Collaborate with provincial agencies to develop regional guidelines for developmental aquaculture.

12. Examples of Actions in Support of Aquaculture Increase public awareness of DFO�s role in managing aquaculture through public activities. Redesign the federal aquaculture website to provide greater access to information on key issues and background on the industry. Meet with community, aboriginal and environmental organizations to consider issues and discuss how they may be addressed.

13. Where to From Here - Moving Forward Put emphasis on greater cooperation and coordination in determining priorities for scientific research in support of sustainable aquaculture. Establish more efficient and harmonized governance arrangements to facilitate management of the industry. Encourage more collaboration among interests to improve understanding and, to the extent feasible, reconcile divergent views and perspectives. Improve public understanding of aquaculture management and processes through more transparent and open communications.

14. In Summary The aquaculture industry provides important benefits to B.C. communities, yet aspects of the industry, particularly related to salmon, are highly controversial. DFO direction is informed by key legislation and policies, under-pinned by science, to better manage and protect the resource. As governments working together, DFO supports exploring ways to enhance transparency, increase harmonization, and conduct more collaborative science programs. Regardless, our overarching objective must be to ensure that the industry is managed in an environmentally sustainable manner, and that we have the strategies and programs to achieve this end. Transparency - Industry and Government need to communicate openly. Harmonization - Federal and Provincial policies and actions need to be aligned. Sound Science - Regulations and management actions must be based on sound science. Collaboration - Governments need to work together with industry, First Nations, and stakeholders. Transparency - Industry and Government need to communicate openly. Harmonization - Federal and Provincial policies and actions need to be aligned. Sound Science - Regulations and management actions must be based on sound science. Collaboration - Governments need to work together with industry, First Nations, and stakeholders.

15. As mentioned at the beginning of this presentation, we have intentionally kept our comments short and at a very high level for our first appearance before the committee �..at a later stage we anticipate the committee will be interested in drilling down into various aspects of the key issues, and we would be very pleased to present more detail at that time. Here is a look at some areas of possible interest As mentioned at the beginning of this presentation, we have intentionally kept our comments short and at a very high level for our first appearance before the committee �..at a later stage we anticipate the committee will be interested in drilling down into various aspects of the key issues, and we would be very pleased to present more detail at that time. Here is a look at some areas of possible interest