Examen scientifique par la région des Maritimes du MPO de la modification proposée des limites de la pisciculture marine et des nouveaux sites dans la baie Liverpool, comté de Queens, en Nouvelle-Écosse

Abstract

Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd. has submitted applications to the Province of Nova Scotia to amend their existing Liverpool site (#1205) and to construct and operate two new sites, Mersey Point (#1433) and Brooklyn (#1432), in Liverpool Bay, Queens County, Nova Scotia. As per the Canada-Nova Scotia Memorandum of Understanding on Aquaculture Development, the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (NSDFA) has forwarded these application to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) for review and advice in relation to DFO’s legislative mandate. The applications were supplemented by information collected by the proponent as required by the Aquaculture Activities Regulations (AAR). To help inform DFO’s review of these applications, the Regional Aquaculture Management Office has asked for DFO Science advice on the Predicted Exposure Zones (PEZs) associated with the range of aquaculture activities, and the predicted impacts on susceptible fish and fish habitat, including sensitive Species at Risk Act (SARA) listed species, susceptible fishery species, and the habitats that support them. Specifically, the following questions are addressed for each application: Question 1. Based on available data for the 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 available information, what are the Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs), Species At Risk (SAR), fishery species, Ecologically Significant Species (ESS) 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 site 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. Which populations of conspecifics are within a geographic range that escapes are likely to migrate to? What is the size and status trends of those conspecific populations in the escape exposure zone for the proposed site? Are any of these populations listed under Schedule 1 of the SARA? This Science Response Report results from the Science Response Process of February 24–25, 2021, on DFO Maritimes Region Review of the Proposed Marine Finfish Aquaculture Sites and Boundary Amendment, Liverpool Bay, Queens County, Nova Scotia.