The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture is governed by the Aquaculture Act and associated Aquaculture Regulations. All persons or companies in possession of an aquaculture license issued by the Department must abide by the regulations stated under the Aquaculture Act.
- 2015-16 Aquaculture Fee Changes (28 KB)
Aquaculture Policy and Procedures Manual
The Aquaculture Policy and Procedure Manual provides policy and procedural guidance for the development, licensing and operation of an aquaculture facility including aquatic animal health responsibilities.
Application Requirements
New applicants must:
- Demonstrate expertise and or training in required technical and managerial functions.
- Obtain two sets of 1:50,000 “National Topographical” maps indicating site location and layout.
- Identify the species and strain, and the type of operation.
- Submit an acceptable Business Plan (for commercial licenses).
- Submit specific site information.
- Disclose environmental concerns and/or conflicts.
- Submit Crown lands application for land leasing.
- Submit a Production and Harvesting Plan for the next 5 years.
- Assess the site for water quality.
Applicants should refer to the following licensing and aquatic animal health related guidance documents to ensure that all information is captured in application submissions:
- Annual Aquatic Animal Health Report – Finfish
- Annual Aquatic Animal Health Report – Shellfish
- Aquatic Animal Health Division (AAHD) Viral Management of Infectious Salmon Anaemia virus (ISAv) Contingency Plan Guidelines
- Applicant Guidance Document – Environmental Information Reviews
- Aquaculture Operator Incident Reporting Guidelines
- Aquaculture Licensing Guide – Version 1.0, May 2022
- Aquaculture Licensing – Once Licensed: What to Expect – Version 1.0, May 2022
- Newfoundland and Labrador Aquatic Animal Reportable and Notifiable Diseases
- Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Salmon Surveillance Plan
- Newfoundland and Labrador Biosecurity Audit Plan – Aquatic Animal Health Division Guidelines
- Newfoundland and Labrador Sea Lice Integrated Pest Management Plan
- Newfoundland and Labrador Cleaner Fish Surveillance Plan
- Salmonid Code of Containment for the Culture of Salmonids in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Site Restoration Plan and Financial Assurance Requirements Guide Document October 2023
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Online Services
The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Online Services system offers online access for Aquaculture Site licences.
For more information on fees or to request an application, please contact the Development Officer.