M. Janowicz et J. Ross, Monitoring for benthic impacts in the southwest New Brunswick salmon aquaculture industry, ICES J MAR, 58(2), 2001, pp. 453-459
Salmon aquaculture has been undertaken in southwest New Brunswick since the
late 1970s. By 1986, there were 28 salmon farms, the industry was expandin
g rapidly, and researchers had started proposing methodologies fur tracking
benthic impacts. As a result of a number of projects conducted to determin
e a cost-effective: monitoring protocol, and in consultation with aquacultu
re industry representatives. an Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) was
adopted in 1995, This programme is a requirement of the aquaculture site li
cence and is conducted annually at each farmed site. The programme is now u
nder review with the aim of refining the scientific information that is use
d in assigning an annual site impact rating. The development of the current
Environmental Monitoring Program and the Federal and Provincial responsibi
lities with respect to environmental protection under which the monitoring
programme was developed are discussed. A description of the scientific rati
onale and the industry requirements with respect to production that has led
to the proposed changes to the current programme is included.