Denman Island Marine Stewards

Community Complaints

Filing a Complaint:

ADIMS is committed to supporting community complaints when human activity is negatively impacting the marine environment surrounding Denman Island. These issues are varied and bureaucratically complex. It can be confusing to find the right government department to help resolve an issue or move on enforcement when there is proven illegal activity. Federal, provincial, and regional departments prefer that a specific complaint be filed directly by the community member who has knowledge of the details. ADIMS is here to help!

Guide to Filing Complaints:

In the sections below you will find some of the most common causes of complaints and links to the responsible agencies. If you are unsure, we can help you figure out who to contact and how to submit your complaint. Whenever a complaint is filed, we suggest that you copy ADIMSinfo@gmail.com on all your correspondence with government agencies. This will allow ADIMS to maintain a log of all complaints filed with case numbers, so that we can help you with follow-up and applying pressure for enforcement.

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Coastal Wildlife Entanglements, Pollution Affecting Wildlife, and Hazardous Gear such as Rusty Rebar Spikes

all the DFO Reporting Line at 1-800-465-4366. They will record your complaint and open a file. Ask them for the file number! The file number is crucial for follow-up. Once you have a file number, you can submit photos via email to radio.room@dfo-mpo.gc.ca. Please copy ADIMSinfo@gmail.com on all your government complaint correspondence, so that we can assist and follow-up on your behalf. The DFO Reporting Line will advise if another department is involved and can provide the appropriate email if they feel it should go to another agency for handling.

Illegal Activities such as Driving on Beaches

Vehicles and machinery can damage sensitive ecological habitat on beaches, so they are generally prohibited. However, there are exceptions for emergency vehicles such as Fire and Ambulance. There are also exceptions for specific authorized aquaculture tenure holders that need a vehicle to access their site. Any other vehicles or machinery are in contravention of Islands Trust Bylaws and can be reported through the link below. If the vehicles on the beach are threatening fish habitat by, for example, removing large amounts of seaweed, or driving through salmon-bearing streams, then this can also be reported to DFO by calling the DFO Reporting Line at 1-800-465-4366. Always remember to ask for a file number and copy ADIMSinfo@gmail.com on any correspondence so we can help.

Concerns with Shellfish Aquaculture Tenures or Growers

The BC Shellfish Growers Association (BCSGA) will often act to correct an issue without the need to go through government. If you have a concern with an activity you have witnessed by a shellfish grower, reach out to us at ADIMSinfo@gmail.com and we will assist you in seeking a resolution.

DFO recently updated the conditions shellfish growers must follow in order to maintain their tenure licence. These "Conditions of Licence" include rules for the management of aquaculture gear and the prevention of environmental hazards. To read the condition in their entirety, click the link below.

Derelict and Abandoned Vessels

Multiple agencies, from the Coast Guard to local and provincial governments, have some jurisdiction over derelict or abandoned vessels. The most common concerns can be reported through the following agencies:

1. Issues involving pollution due to leaking harmful substances: contact BC Provincial Emergency Program at 1-800-663-3456

2. Vessel or structure obstructing navigation: contact Transport Canada at 604-775-8867 or pacnpp-ppnpac@tc.gc.ca

3. A wrecked or stranded vessel causing a public safety concern: contact the Receiver of Wreck at 604-775-8867 or pacnpp-ppnpac@tc.gc.ca

Always remember to ask for a case number and copy ADIMSinfo@gmail.com on your correspondence so we can support you in advocating for a timely resolution.