Sea lions continue to prowl fish farms on Vancouver Island害羞草研究所檚 west coast as federal officials work to ensure efforts to thwart them aren害羞草研究所檛 putting them at risk

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada said it is monitoring sea lion activity around Cermaq Canada salmon farm sites near Tofino after area residents began ringing alarm bells in April. Dozens of sea lions were spotted inside Cermaq害羞草研究所檚 Rant Point site, feasting on the farmed Atlantic salmon within.

害羞草研究所淒FO staff have been on a number of sites and remain in constant contact with farm operations to ensure accurate information and that deterrent efforts are being safely put in place,害羞草研究所� a DFO spokesperson told Black Press Media via email.

They added that DFO has 害羞草研究所渁 strict requirement that no sea lions can be euthanized,害羞草研究所� and that aquaculture licences require operators to ensure as little risk to marine mammals as possible.

害羞草研究所淎ttempts to deter the sea lions and to remove them from the net pens, with least harm to the animals, have been ongoing in consultation with DFO biologists,害羞草研究所� they wrote. 害羞草研究所淐ermaq害羞草研究所檚 Conditions of Licence do not allow acoustic deterrents below water. However, DFO does permit the use of deterrent noise, such as an air cannon, above water.害羞草研究所�

The spokesperson said Cermaq is required to take all reasonable steps necessary to free any sea lions from their farms and that DFO will investigate any reports of sea lions being harmed.

害羞草研究所淒FO staff have witnessed reduced sea lion activity at these sites in recent weeks,害羞草研究所� they wrote. 害羞草研究所淒FO continues to work with industry to develop effective strategies to deter sea lions, including the adoption of infrastructure that is resistant to predator attacks. This includes stronger predator netting, higher perimeter fencing and upgraded electric fencing.害羞草研究所�

Cermaq has yet to respond to a Black Press Media request for comment.

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