PARR-2011-P-13
Developing hard-bottom indicators from BC archived benthic video surveys associated with aquaculture activities

The objective of this project is to apply a standard analytical approach to a large collection of archived video surveys collected as part of the British Columbia Finfish Aquaculture Waste Control Regulation (FAWCR). These video surveys were collected over a 7-year period (2004-2010) and over a wide range of coastal settings (fjordic inlets, Broughton Archipelago, the west coast of Vancouver Island, Johnstone Strait, etc.) Since the video protocols of FAWCR, recently written into the conditions of Licence for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), are mainly based on the specifications of field survey collection, it is important to develop a video evaluation protocol for enumerating benthic organisms and identifying key indicator species. Results will determine which environmental and aquaculture factors drive the population dynamics of key primary and secondary indicator species (Beggiatoa spp. and Opportunistic Polychaete Complexes - OPC) and how well these indicator taxa represent benthic impact through video observations and DEPOMOD predictions.  This project is done in collaboration with a Newfoundland project (PARR-2011-NL-14).

Principal investigator: Terri Sutherland, 4160 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, BC; Tel.: (604) 666-8537; Email: Terri.Sutherland@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Team members: Bernie Taekema, DFO-NHQ; Kerry Hoyseth, DFO-Pacific Region; March Klaver, DFO-Pacific Region; John Chamberlain, DFO Pacific Region

2-year project (2011/12, 2012/13)