Examen scientifique par la région des Maritimes de Pêches et Océans Canada des nouveaux sites proposés de pisciculture marine, baie Whycocomagh, lacs Bras d'Or, Nouvelle-Écosse

Abstract

We’koqma’q First Nation has made an application to the Province of Nova Scotia for the addition of two new sites (#1430 and #1431) in Whycocomagh Bay, Bras d’Or Lakes, Nova Scotia. This is in addition to their existing sites (#0814, #0845, and #0600), for which boundary amendment proposals were previously reviewed (DFO 2021b). As per the Canada-Nova Scotia Memorandum of Understanding on Aquaculture Development, the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (NSDFA) has forwarded this application to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) for review and advice in relation to DFO’s legislative mandate. The application was supplemented by information collected by the proponent as required by the Aquaculture Activities Regulations (AAR). To help inform DFO’s review of this application, the Regional Aquaculture Management Office has asked for DFO Science advice on the Predicted Exposure Zones (PEZs) associated with the proposed range of aquaculture activities, and the predicted impacts on susceptible fish and fish habitat, including sensitive Species at Risk (SAR) listed species, susceptible fishery species and the habitats that support them. Specifically, the following questions are addressed: Question 1. Based on available data for each site and scientific information, what is the predicted exposure zone from the use of approved fish health treatment products in the marine environment, and the potential consequences to susceptible species? Question 2. Based on the available information for each site, what are the Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas, Species listed under Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act, fishery species, Ecologically Significant Species, and their associated habitats that are within the predicted benthic exposure zone and vulnerable to exposure from the deposition of organic matter? How does this compare to the extent of these species and habitats in the surrounding area (i.e., are they common or rare)? What are the anticipated impacts to these sensitive species and habitats from the proposed aquaculture activity? Question 3. How do the impacts on these species from the proposed aquaculture sites compare to impacts from other anthropogenic sources (including existing finfish farms)? Do the zones of influence overlap with these activities and if so, what are the potential consequences? Question 4. To support the analysis of risk of entanglement with the proposed aquaculture infrastructure, which pelagic aquatic Species at Risk make use of the area, and for what duration and when? Question 5. What populations of Salmonids are within a geographic range that escapees are likely to migrate to? What are the size and status trends of those populations in the escape exposure zone for the proposed sites? Are any of these populations listed under Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act? This Science Response Report results from the regional Science Response Process on June 21–22, 2021, DFO Maritimes Region Review of the Proposed Marine Finfish Aquaculture Sites, Whycocomagh Bay, Bras d’Or Lakes, Nova Scotia.