The federal government is to take over responsibility for the British Columbian (BC) aquaculture industry by the end of the year, and they have now released the proposed regulatory regime.

A 60-day public comment period has now begun, before the regulations will come back and be finalised.

Meanwhile, the head of the BC Salmon Farmers Association is welcoming the release of the proposed pacific aquaculture regulations.

The Campbell River-based association's executive director Mary Ellen Walling says the long-term success of the industry is dependent on having strong regulations that provide a level playing field for everyone.

British Columbia is the fourth largest producer of farmed salmon in the world after Norway, Chile, and the UK. Production is regionally based, primarily in North Vancouver Island and Campbell River areas.

The industry has become increasingly integrated with hatcheries, grow-out, processing and marketing operations. Cultured salmon exceeds the wild salmon sector in harvest quantity and value and in the wholesale value of processed products, partially because of declines in harvests in the commercial capture sector.