PARR-2011-P-21
Developing a carrying capacity framework for Baynes Sound, BC

This project will work towards developing a carrying capacity model for shellfish production in Baynes Sound, an area that has been identified by Fisheries and Oceans Canada Fisheries and Aquaculture Management as key for examining integrated coastal zone management of aquaculture.  This project will focus on establishing a particulate budget for the Sound and providing a real-time assessment of the current state of benthic and pelagic conditions in support of HADD (harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat) determinations and the development of siting criteria.  Longer term goals involve developing circulation and nutrient models that describe the hydrodynamic and biological controls on particulate concentrations in Baynes Sound.  These models will be coupled with shellfish assimilative estimates to determine the influence of shellfish production on benthic and water column quality.

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

Team members: Peter Cranford, DFO-Maritimes Region; Chris Pearce, DFO-Pacific Region; Hannah Stewart, DFO-Pacific Region

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