Science Review of Proposed Increases in Biomass at Mowi Canada East Inc. Existing Finfish Aquaculture Sites

Abstract

The Proponent, MOWI Canada East Incorporated, has submitted a request to the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador to increase stocking capacity from three million to six million fish at three previously licensed aquaculture sites in Facheux Bay (Wild Cove, Dennis Arm, and Wallace Cove) on the south coast of Newfoundland. This increase from one million to two million fish at each site will not require any modification to the lease boundaries. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) conducted reviews of site license applications for these sites in 2018 (Wallace Cove) and 2019 (Wild Cove and Dennis Arm) and therefore some science advice is already available and does not need to be re-evaluated. The scope of the current review will focus primarily on aspects specific to the increases in biomass being requested. To help inform the DFO review of this request, the Regional Aquaculture Management Office (RAMO) has asked for DFO Science advice on the potential exposure zones (PEZs) associated with certain aquaculture activities and the potential impacts on susceptible fish and fish habitat. Specifically, DFO Science has been asked the following questions in the context of increasing stocking capacity at three licensed sites: Based on the available data for Wallace Cove and the scientific information, what are the potential exposure zones from the use of approved fish health treatment products in the marine environment, and the potential consequences to susceptible species? Based on available information for Wallace Cove, what are the Sensitive Benthic Species, and their associated habitats that are within the potential benthic exposure zones and vulnerable to exposure from the deposition of organic matter? How does this distribution 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(ies)? What are the potential impacts and/or risks to Atlantic Salmon populations from direct genetic interactions associated with any escaped farmed fish from the proposed increase in biomass at all three sites? This Science Response Report results from the regional peer review held January 15–16, 2025, on the Proposed Increase in Biomass at MOWI Canada East Inc. Existing Finfish Aquaculture Sites in Facheux Bay.