Baynes Sound Coastal Plan for Shellfish Aquaculture

Final Plan [pdf - 2.5MB] (download individual PDF sections below)

Maps

Historically, the shellfish aquaculture industry has used Baynes Sound for shellfish aquaculture and considers the area to have additional culture potential. The industry believes that shellfish farming is an activity that is environmentally sustainable.

Baynes Sound upland residents also value the area for its amenities, including wildlife values and opportunities for tourism and recreation. Over the last several years many upland residents have repeatedly stated concerns about intensified shellfish aquaculture development in the area and have asked the provincial government and local government (including the Islands Trust) to not approve any further shellfish aquaculture development in the area.

In response, the province has placed a hold on expansion and new development applications pending the results of this planning process which has been designed to address issues raised by both shellfish growers and concerned upland residents. This planning document will guide future shellfish aquaculture activities in the Baynes Sound area of Vancouver Island, B.C.

To support the development of this plan, a document was prepared to inform the process.

A draft report of spawning habitat of sand lance within the Sound was also recently released:

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