Does DFO listen to people who live in rural and coastal communities as to whether they want a farm site in their “backyard”?
Yes. Comments and concerns of interested Canadians are considered during the site application review process. Notices of project proposals may be placed in local newspapers. Notices of environmental assessments under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act are posted on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry website. Canadians are encouraged to contact their closest fisheries office if they have questions or concerns regarding aquaculture site proposals. On a broader scale, DFO has conducted several public opinion research studies – focus group research and public opinion polling – to gauge Canadian’s awareness and perceptions of aquaculture.
