Fisheries and Oceans Canada
www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
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Introductions and Transfers
The aquaculture industry frequently transfers live fish and shellfish within a particular province and occasionally into Canada from other countries.
Why the aquaculture industry “introduces and transfers” fish and shellfish
Demand for introductions and transfers has grown along with the growth of the aquaculture industry, which acquires fish and shellfish for:
- Transferring juvenile fish from hatcheries to growout operations.
- “Seed stock” (for shellfish growout)
- Eggs (for breeding purposes)
- New strains of fish to enhance the quality and production of current fish stocks
- New species to diversify the range of fish farmed in an area
Concern about introductions and transfers
Canadians have been concerned that the introduction of fish or shellfish into a region where they are not native could introduce new diseases, alter the genetic makeup of native species, and have a negative impact on the surrounding ecosystems. Even the transfer of native species from one watershed to another could have unforeseen impacts.
Minimizing impacts:
National Code on Introductions and Transfers of Aquatic Organisms
Introductions and transfers are needed primarily for regular operations, but also for industry diversification and development. Regardless of the reason, they must be done in an environmentally sustainable way.
In 2003, Canada’s provincial, territorial and federal governments partnered to develop a new Code – the National Code on Introductions and Transfers of Aquatic Organisms. This Code brings regulatory consistency to introductions and transfers of fish and shellfish across the country and limits impacts on other animals and ecosystems.
A licence is required to introduce or transfer fish
The Code is intended to protect aquatic ecosystems while encouraging responsible use of aquatic resources for the benefit of Canadians. Therefore, before introductions or transfers are approved, they must be evaluated under the Code and measures identified to mitigate impacts.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada administers the Code under the Fishery (General) Regulations (Section 55) and issues licenses for introductions and transfers in all provinces and territories except Quebec (in freshwater), Ontario and the Prairies where provincial regulations apply.
