By Ian Holmes

Anchorage consultations on hold for DFO review

Jun 10, 2016 | 8:18 AM

Public consultations expected this summer for a controversial anchorage proposal off Gabriola Island are on hold.

This after an environmental assessment caught the attention of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

Pacific Pilotage Authority CEO Kevin Obermeyer believes anchors possibly damaging a geoduck bed likely triggered the DFO review.

“It did indicate that the anchors could be detrimental to a geoduck bed, I’m pretty sure that’s why it’s going to a section 35 review,” said Obermeyer.

Obermeyer expects the DFO review will take two to three months to complete, pointing out that the proposal would more than likely be scrapped if harm to marine life cannot be mitigated.

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“Anchor drag causing localized destruction of fish habitat and individual fish mortality was found to be not significant, we do however have to pass this on to DFO for a section 35 review.”

Establishing five moorage spaces for large ships not far off the northeast side of Gabriola Island has met stiff opposition on the island.