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Application for introduction or transfer of fish and/or access to wild aquatic resources for aquaculture

This page is provided for information purposes only. To fill out a copy of this form, please download the PDF version and follow the instructions on the form for submission.

1. Applicant information

2. Purpose of transfer

3. Species information for introduction or transfer

Please complete the information for the species you wish to transfer in the two tables below. Attach information of additional species if required. For example Row 1. should reflect information regarding the same species across both tables.

Table 1: Species information for introduction or transfer
Species common name(s) Species scientific name Life stage Brood year Proposed number for transfer Proposed transfer date
Select one
  • adult
  • alevin
  • eggs/milt
  • fry
  • juvenile
  • larval
  • seed
  • smolts
  • spat
  • other - specify

Add rows as required

Table 2: Species information for introduction or transfer
Stock origin Genetic status Source location of fish or aquaculture facility # Shellfish or salmonid transfer zone Nearest town
(city, province/state)
Select one
  • diploid
  • triploid
  • transgenic
  • sex-reversed
  • mono-sexed
  • other - specify
Select one
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Add rows as required

Are any of these species listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA)?

If yes, have you been issued a SARA permit?

Are any of these species being imported from outside Canada?

If you checked "Yes", please note a separate application will need to be made to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for any imports into BC.

4. Access to wild aquatic resources for aquaculture purposes

Please review the Policy on Access to Wild Aquatic Resources for Aquaculture Purposes and if applicable, fill out an Access application to be submitted together with this application. To obtain a copy of the Access application form, please contact ITC@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

For information on collection of freshwater species for scientific purposes, please visit: http://www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca/guides/fish-wildlife/scientific-fish-collection/overview/

For information on access to marine species for educational or scientific purposes, please visit: https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/licence-permis/scientific-scientifique-eng.html

5. Introduction and/or transfer of fish

Please note, a fee of $30.00 will be applied and processed by Front Counter B.C. for the transport of freshwater fish native or non-native to B.C.. Exceptions include transport for the purposes of live food trade, aquariums, and transfers of Pacific Salmon. No fee is required for marine fish transfers by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Please complete the Front Counter B.C. payment form and submit with this application, if applicable.

5b. Destination

Main mode of transport

Destination description

Destination transfer zone

Select one:

5c. List any intermediate sites and transfer dates, if any
Location Arrival date Departure date

Add rows as required

5d. Final destination of introduction or transfer

Complete all applicable items below.
In item i, animals placed within tenure in natural waters, under an aquaculture licence, must not be released beyond the licensed area. If the proposed release of introduced or transferred fish will be into natural waters, complete all of section iii.

  1. If purpose is for aquaculture/enhancement
  2. If destination is a contained research, hatchery or land-based facility
    Will introduction or transfer be separate from other organisms in facilities with respect to (check all that apply)
    Will effluent be (check all that apply)
  3. If final introduction or transfer is to be released into natural waters (not for commercial aquaculture purposes
    List two waters downstream from the release location
    Name federal and provincial fisheries staff who manage fisheries and assess stocks in the area you wish to release the fish. These staff must have been consulted with and be supportive of this introduction and transfer. Visit http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/maps-cartes/areas-secteurs/index-eng.htm to determine the Pacific Fishery Management Area and office contact information.
  4. Future intended movements and final intended purpose

Please attach additional documentation in support of this application, especially issues in regard to risks and mitigation measures.

Acknowledgement:

By typing or signing my name below, I certify that the information that I have provided is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that it is an offence to provide false information.

Information and precautions relating to the movement of eggs, fish or invertebrates

  1. If you are moving eggs, as is preferred over the hatched animal, they should be surface-disinfected according to the procedure in the Manual of Compliance, Fish Health Protection Regulations (Fisheries and Marine Science, Miscellaneous Special Publication 31 (Revised), 1984 Ottawa). The eggs should be rinsed in (fish-free) ground water or pasteurized water to prevent recontamination.
  2. If you are moving fish or invertebrates, please do everything possible to ensure that you do not accidentally introduce nuisance plants or animals. Disinfect or destroy any shipping containers.

Application information

  1. For detailed instructions on how to complete this application form, please see the "Detailed Instructions to Apply for Introductions or Transfer of Fish and/or Access to Wild Aquatic Resources for Aquaculture" document.
  2. Applications should be received at least one month before the date of the proposed movement of the aquatic organism(s). Please refer to the policy on Access to Wild Aquatic Resources for Aquaculture purposes for timelines on. Access application submissions: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/ref/AWAR-ARAS-eng.htm
  3. Transport shall be by the most direct route and with no water exchange unless specifically approved by the committee.
  4. For any imports of fish into BC from outside Canada, a separate import permit will be required from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Submitting your application

For further information regarding the application process or to submit your access and/or transfer application, please contact:

British Columbia Introductions and Transfers Committee- BCITC
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
#200 - 401 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC V6C 3S4
Email: DFO.BCITC-CITCB.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

This permit does not release the holder from any obligations under the Fisheries Act or any other federal or provincial legislation or of any other regulatory agencies.

Permit(s) cannot be issued for activities that are contrary to the proper management of the Fisheries Act.

As the management of Introductions and Transfers is both a federal and provincial government responsibility, the information you provide may be subject to the following legislations: British Columbia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act; the federal Access to Information Act; and the federal Privacy Act. This information will be used to verify your eligibility for the permit(s) you are seeking and for the purposes related to the application administration. If you have any questions regarding the handling of your personal information, please contact the Director of Wildlife for the Province of BC and/or the Director, Access to Information and Privacy Secretariat at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

Privacy notice statement

The information you provide on this form is collected under the authority of the Fisheries Act and Fishery (General) Regulations for the purpose of obtaining an Introduction or Transfer Licence to move aquatic organisms within a province, between provinces, or import from sources outside of Canada. Information may be shared with the Introductions and Transfers Committee (ITC) comprised of members from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and corresponding provincial authorities. The ITC assesses applications for genetic, ecological, and disease risks. Information may be shared with neighbouring jurisdictions on proposals to introduce exotic species, to extend the range of organisms in shared watersheds or if an introduction, transfer or range extension proposals that might impact stocks within a watershed outside the receiving province. Information may be shared with interested parties (local groups, Aboriginal Groups, commercial fishermen and aquaculturists) for consultation purposes prior to the introduction of an exotic species. Formal risk assessments may be shared with external experts (e.g. academia) to further strengthen the risk assessment process if the provincial and federal government authorities lack the required subject matter expertise. Aggregate data pertaining to the proposed and approved intentional movements of aquatic organisms is tabulated annually to fulfill domestic and international (ICES -International Council for Exploration of the Sea) reporting requirements. Information may also be used or disclosed for program planning or management, reporting, safety or security purposes, audit, evaluation, statistical, research, policy development, administration or enforcement of a law and/or the detection, prevention, or suppression of crime, or investigative purposes.

Failure to provide the requested information may result in your application being denied. You have the right to the correction of, access to, and protection of, your personal information under the Privacy Act and to file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada over DFO’s handling of your information. Personal information collected through the processing of your application is described in the Introductions and Transfers Personal Information Bank DFO PPU 095 and can be accessed and assessed for accuracy. For more information visit Info Source.

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