Aquaculture licence

A buyer of a fish or shellfish farm meets this term because the licence is what authorizes a person to engage in aquaculture. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) says licences are issued for the operation of a specific aquaculture site. See also what licences transfer when you buy a business.

British Columbia

The Pacific Aquaculture Regulations apply to aquaculture in specified waters off and in British Columbia, and to facilities in British Columbia from which fish may escape into Canadian fisheries waters (s. 2). The Minister may issue an aquaculture licence (s. 3(1)) and may specify licence conditions, including the species and quantities of fish permitted and their place of origin (s. 4). DFO says that if a licensed business is sold and the buyer wants to continue with the same management plan, the new owner must submit a licensee amendment form to the Province of British Columbia. A new owner who does not want the licence must notify DFO.

What to check or ask

• The licence’s conditions of licence, including species and quantities.
• Whether the fees are paid; the Regulations bar issuing a licence to an applicant who has not paid in full the flat and annual fees on licences previously issued to it (s. 3(4)).
• When the licence must be reissued; DFO says holders must apply before expiry.

This entry covers British Columbia; check the rules where you are. If a licence has to be applied for again, see licence re-application.