Diver Observations in Port Mouton Bay
comparison of seabed conditions at existing and proposed aquaculture sites (PDF)

Below the Surface : What Divers have Discovered

“Friends” strongly contends that the existing fish farm at Spectacle Island (#835) has severely harmed the marine environment. This belief is based on the experience of local lobster fisherman, and confirmed by provincial test results of sediment below the fish farm.

A leisurely walk on Carter's Beach does not alert the casual observer to what is happening below the water's surface. However, divers can see the effects of the fish farm first-hand. And, as they say, “seeing is believing”.

Interview with Divers : Kathy and Dave Brush

During August 2007, Kathy and Dave Brush, completed four dives, on a volunteer basis, in Port Mouton Bay. The dives took place in areas outside the boundaries of the existing fish farm lease area, and near Port Mouton Island. What they saw near the existing fish farm both amazed and concerned them.

Listen to the interview of Kathy and Dave about their dives in Port Mouton Bay. Interview conducted August 15th by Blair Davis.
Windows Media File, 700k or QuickTime File, 700k

Kathy and Dave Brush wearing diving gear

Kathy and Dave Brush - Their photos and observations during their dives in Port Mouton Bay are the source of the information presented here. (Photo: Blair Davis)

Preliminary Report on Divers Findings

“Friends” have been compiling the findings from the divers, Kathy and Dave Brush plus others, noting what they see and where, and examining their underwater photos (see below). The divers reported that around the existing fish farm (#835):

a layer of waste that appeared continuous. The area was estimated by “Friends” to be approximately 80 hectares (198 acres).
this waste layer is between 30 and 90 cm (12 to 35 inches) thick
little or no marine animal life was seen on this waste layer
gas bubbles rose from the thickest layers
adjacent areas beyond this area show marine life coated with a thin layer of waste
waste 60 cm (24 inches) thick lies just 100 m (328 feet) from Carter's Beach

Estimated Underwater “Footprint” of Existing Fish Farm

We estimate that this area, or footprint, on the sea bed (see diagram below) is approximately 10 times greater than the area of the aquaculture site. In other words, “far-fields” effects of the fish farm operations are real and indisputable.

Diagram showing approximate footprint of waste around Site 835

To refine our estimate of the waste footprint size, more dives are planned in the coming weeks. This report will be updated as more information is collected.

Negative Impact Outside the Lease Area

The fact that divers report the fish farm waste extends far beyond the official lease area of site #0835 is a grave concern:

this area was formerly a productive lobster ground. The spreading waste will further degrade lobstering grounds, and harm remaining sea life.
these observations were made during low-energy wind and waves conditions. What happens when the winds and waves are strong?

Based on this evidence, the proposed aquaculture site could create a waste area footprint 10 times its lease size, or 240 affected hectares. The sum of these two waste-laden areas would result in cumulative effects that would further severely degrade the marine environment in the Bay.

The community surrounding Port Mouton Bay intends, with its partners, to monitor, document and foster the restoration and rehabilitation of this ecosystem to its former healthy condition.

For more details, view the PDF version of this report.