Archived - Existing aquaculture sites (6) in Bay Management Area 2a - Bay of Fundy - NB

Back Bay EAst, Frye Island; Back Bay, Charlie Cove; Bliss Harbour, Hills Island; Letang Harbour, Hawkins Hill; Lime Kiln Bay, Bar Island; Lime Kiln Bay, Reserve Cove (NB)

Reasons for a Federal Assessment
Project Description
Final Decision

Reference Number

Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry: 11-01-63834

Environmental Assessment Type

Screening

Responsible or Regulated Authorities

Transport Canada

Reasons for a Federal Assessment

On September 8, 2011, it was determined that an environmental assessment was required in relation to the project because Transport Canada considered taking action in relation to subsection 6(4) of the Navigable Waters Protection Act.

Project Description (as posted in the Notice of Commencement)

The Proponent has applied for Navigable Waters Protection Act subsection 6(4) approval for its existing sites within the New Brunswick Bay Management Area 2a (BMA 2a). The sites, as described briefly below, are primarily finfish aquaculture, and include Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) components such as cultivating bivalves (e.g. mussels) and kelp. Common circular cage-rearing systems and others will be employed. Site specific details for each of these sites are as follows;

MF-0026 (8200-86-2714):

Located near Hills Island, this existing IMTA site measures approximately 23.69 hectares, and will include 10 - 70m cages (Phase I) converting to 5 - 150m cages (Phase II) for Atlantic salmon; 3 - 100m cages for mussels; and a kelp raft that has an approximate 4900kg production capacity.

MF-0023 (8200-85-2659):

Located near Bar Island, this existing IMTA control site measures approximately 12.15 hectares, and includes 5 - 100m cages for cultivating mussels.

MF-0035 (8200-84-2467):

Located near Frye Island, this existing site measures approximately 14.10 hectares, and includes 12 - 70m cages and 8 - 20m x 20m steel cages for Atlantic cod.

MF-0014 (8200-81-2044):

Located in Reserve Cove, this existing site measures approximately 14.40 hectares, and includes 16 - 100m cages for Atlantic salmon.

MF-0017 (8200-87-2897):

Located near Hawkins Hill, this existing site measures approximately 12.06 hectares, and includes 5 - 100m cages for Atlantic salmon.

MF-0276 (8200-94-3035):

Located in Charlie Cove, this existing IMTA site measures approximately 15.0 hectares, and will include 7 - 100m cages (Phase I) converting to 7 - 150m cages (Phase II) for Atlantic salmon; 3 - 100m cages for cultivating mussels; an 80m long kelp raft; and a small floating service building. The cages within the site will be reconfigured from their current position.

Final Decision

On July 6, 2012, the new Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 came into force which replaced the former Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. As a result, there is no longer a requirement to complete the environmental assessment of this project.