Terms of Reference

Science Review of Two Proposed Trout Aquaculture Sites in Bay d’Espoir on the South Coast of Newfoundland

Regional Peer Review - Newfoundland and Labrador Region

September 18-19, 2024

St. John's, NL

Chairpersons: Ben Davis and Brittany Beauchamp

Context

Nova Fish Farms Incorporated has submitted applications to the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador to construct and operate two new Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) aquaculture sites at Cape Mark and Collins Head in Bay d’Espoir, which is located on the south coast of Newfoundland. As per the Canada-Newfoundland Memorandum of Understanding on Aquaculture Development, the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture has forwarded the applications 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 under the federal Aquaculture Activities Regulations (AAR). To help inform DFO’s review of these applications, the Regional DFO Aquaculture Management Office has asked DFO Science for advice on the predicted exposure zones (PEZs) associated with certain aquaculture activities and the potential consequences to susceptible fish and fish habitat, including sensitive Species at Risk (SAR) listed species, susceptible fishery species, and the habitats that support them.

Objectives

The objectives of this process are:

1. Based on the available data for the sites and the scientific information, what are the predicted exposure zones from the use of approved fish health treatment products in the marine environment and the potential consequences to susceptible species?
2. Based on available data, what are the Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas; species listed under Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA); fishery species; and 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 potential consequences to these sensitive species and habitats from the proposed aquaculture activity?
3. To support the analysis of risk of entanglement with the proposed aquaculture infrastructure, which pelagic aquatic species listed under Schedule 1 of SARA make use of the area, for what duration, and when?
4. What populations of conspecifics are within a geographic range that escaped farmed fish are likely to migrate? What is 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? What are the potential impacts and/or risks to these wild populations from direct genetic interactions associated with any escaped farmed fish from the proposed aquaculture activity?

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report

Expected Participation

• DFO Ecosystems and Oceans Science
• DFO Aquatic Ecosystems
• Indigenous Communities / Organizations
• Parks Canada
• Government of Newfoundland and Labrador – Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
• Industry
• Academia
• Non-government organizations