Sea lions continue to prowl fish farms on Vancouver Island含羞草研究社檚 west coast as federal officials work to ensure efforts to thwart them aren含羞草研究社檛 putting them at risk

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada said it is monitoring sea lion activity around Cermaq Canada salmon farm sites near Tofino after area residents began ringing alarm bells in April. Dozens of sea lions were spotted inside Cermaq含羞草研究社檚 Rant Point site, feasting on the farmed Atlantic salmon within.

含羞草研究社淒FO staff have been on a number of sites and remain in constant contact with farm operations to ensure accurate information and that deterrent efforts are being safely put in place,含羞草研究社� a DFO spokesperson told Black Press Media via email.

They added that DFO has 含羞草研究社渁 strict requirement that no sea lions can be euthanized,含羞草研究社� and that aquaculture licences require operators to ensure as little risk to marine mammals as possible.

含羞草研究社淎ttempts to deter the sea lions and to remove them from the net pens, with least harm to the animals, have been ongoing in consultation with DFO biologists,含羞草研究社� they wrote. 含羞草研究社淐ermaq含羞草研究社檚 Conditions of Licence do not allow acoustic deterrents below water. However, DFO does permit the use of deterrent noise, such as an air cannon, above water.含羞草研究社�

The spokesperson said Cermaq is required to take all reasonable steps necessary to free any sea lions from their farms and that DFO will investigate any reports of sea lions being harmed.

含羞草研究社淒FO staff have witnessed reduced sea lion activity at these sites in recent weeks,含羞草研究社� they wrote. 含羞草研究社淒FO continues to work with industry to develop effective strategies to deter sea lions, including the adoption of infrastructure that is resistant to predator attacks. This includes stronger predator netting, higher perimeter fencing and upgraded electric fencing.含羞草研究社�

Cermaq has yet to respond to a Black Press Media request for comment.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

READ MORE: