The island

Letters raise opposing concerns about shellfish aquaculture

Two public comments recorded by Denman’s Local Trust Committee differed over proposed rules and oversight of shellfish tenures.

The Denman Firestarter · reporting 2017-10-26 · compiled 2026-10-01

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Public comments at the October 3 Denman Island Local Trust Committee meeting took opposing positions on proposed Bylaw No. 225, which concerns aquaculture tenures. ^[1]

One speaker opposed referring the proposed bylaw to all aquaculture tenure holders for comment, saying an information note already made clear that tenure holders were excluded from the regulation. The speaker also raised concerns about ecosystem management, monitoring and enforcement by industry regulators. ^[1]

A speaker for the Denman Island Residents Association Marine Guardians Committee urged the committee to proceed with second reading and adoption. The speaker said shellfish growers had been consulted, enforcement officers could inspect tenures without driving on the beach, and serious harm to fish or fish habitat was occurring. ^[1]

The minutes record the comments and do not report a decision on Bylaw No. 225 at that meeting. ^[1]

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