Book Description

This report evaluates the biophysical suitability for net-cage salmon farming of nearshore areas on the British Columbia coast between Vancouver Island and the mainland. The base biophysical information was obtained by interviews with patrol officers and specialist scientists, as well as by reviewing library information and file data. Data on 16 biophysical criteria important to net-cage rearing of salmonids were compiled on base maps and each criterion was assigned a ranking from good to not acceptable for fish farming. The report includes a general oceanographic overview of the study area, a description of the study methodology and data compilation methods used, comments on the criteria used for rating the capability of salmon farming areas, and detailed descriptions and appraisals of the biophysical environments of the waterways evaluated. Areas requiring additional field investigations are also listed.