Marine Aquaculture
Soft Bottom sites are classified based on the average pore water sediment sulphide concentration measured at the established compliance sampling stations. The locations of the compliance sampling stations are determined in accordance with the Standard Operating Practices for the Environmental Monitoring of the Marine Finfish Aquaculture in New Brunswick (SOP) and dependent on cage biomass, predominant current, position of land mass and relative depth. Site classifications of Oxic, Hypoxic, or Anoxic are assigned to each marine finfish aquaculture facility situated over soft bottom sediment. See below for further details:
Oxic is the site classification assigned when the average sediment sulfide concentration is less than 1500 µM - good performing site with minimal remedial action required. |
Hypoxic is the site classification assigned when the average sediment sulfide concentration is between 1500 µM and 6000 µM. - sites are likely to cause adverse environmental affects and will be required to undertake a number of remedial measures. |
Anoxic is the site classification assigned when the average sediment sulfide concentration is greater than 6000 µM. - sites are causing severe damage to the marine habitat. Sites will be directed to work closely with regulatory agencies to remedy the situation. |
Hard Bottom sites are classified on the visual presence of Beggiatoa-like bacteria, Opportunistic Polychaete worm Complexes and barren substrate (hard bottom indicators) observed at the compliance sampling stations. The position of the hard bottom sampling transects are determined in accordance with the SOP and dependent on cage biomass, predominant current, position of land mass and relative depth. Along the sampling transect, the compliance sampling stations are located at 0, 10, and 20 meters from the cage edge. Site classifications of Below Threshold or Above Threshold are assigned to each marine finfish aquaculture facility situated over hard bottom sediment. See below for further details:
Below Threshold is the site classification assigned when the average percentage of hard bottom indicators is less than 70% - good performing site with minimal remedial action required. |
Above Threshold is the site classification assigned when the average percentage of hard bottom indicators is greater than or equal to 70% - sites are likely to cause adverse environmental affects and will be required to undertake a number of remedial measures. |
Mixed Bottom sites are those that contain both soft and hard bottom sampling stations. There is a preference to use soft bottom indicators to classify sites as correlation between sediment pore water sulphide concentration and environmental impact is established and accepted. However, if unable to retain sediment pore water samples that meet the Criteria for Sample Acceptability for at least 75% of the sampling stations, the site shall be considered mixed bottom and both Hard and Soft Bottom Classifications shall be used to classify the site. Mixed bottom sites are classified as Above or Below Threshold.
Remediation Plans describe the actions that will be taken by the Approval Holder to reduce organic enrichment impacts. These actions are aimed at reducing organic loading by implementing best management practices such as improving feeding methods, not cleaning nets or equipment onsite, reducing stocking density, repositioning of cages in relation to onsite water currents, staff training and internal and external audits to ensure that best management practices are being followed.