Whereas Fisheries and Oceans Canada DFO approved the Integrated Geoduck Management Framework in 2017 IGMF; And whereas the IGMF will lead to increased applications for geoduck aquaculture which has the potential to negatively impact the marine environment: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the DFO conduct an ecosystem-based study of potential and cumulative impacts of increased geoduck clam aquaculture and consider increased monitoring and enforcement.
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans The development of the Integrated Geoduck Management Framework IGMF included more than two years of engagement with First Nations, the public, industry, the Province of British Columbia and local governmental agencies. The framework is intended to balance expanded opportunity for subtidal deep water geoduck aquaculture in British Columbia while maintaining the economic prosperity and long-term sustainability of the wild geoduck. fishery. DFO is implementing geoduck aquaculture under the frameworks four core principles: -Conservation; -Obligations to First Nations; -Economic Prosperity and Sustainable Use; and -Transparency. Before the IGMF was approved, extensive research was conducted regarding potential disease as well as genetic and ecological risks associated with geoduck aquaculture. These studies included research by DFO Science on the effects of geoduck harvest on the seabed. It was determined that benthic impacts of small-scale geoduck out-planting and small- to largescale harvesting were relatively minor and limited in duration and scale. This research and several other studies on geoduck aquaculture can be found at the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat and the Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program websites at the following links: -http:www.dfo-mpo.gc.cacsas-sccsindex-eng.htm -http:www.dfo-mpo.gc.caaquacultureacrdp-pcrdaindex-eng.htm The IGMF includes new siting guidelines for subtidal culture only. Applications for intertidal geoduck aquaculture have always been accepted for review by DFO. However, a number of challenges make it unlikely that the Department would receive an increase in applications for intertidal geoduck aquaculture. These include issues related to geography, the suitability of British Columbia beaches and the current level of aquaculture production in Baynes Sound. Every new application, including those for geoduck aquaculture, undergoes a thorough review by the Department for potential environmental impacts and risks. Additionally, the IGMF website outlines licence conditions for shellfish aquaculture and monitoring measures for geoduck aquaculture. Many of these licence conditions are aimed at mitigating potential risks to the environment resulting from geoduck aquaculture. DFO is aware of concerns regarding debris from shellfish aquaculture facilities, and has developed a debris strategy to address the issue. DFO continues to work with various organizations, as well as with scientists from Canadian universities and research institutions to better understand impacts on aquatic organisms.