The B.C. Government has taken a significant step forward in defending wild salmon against open-net pen salmon farms, but the four-year timeline is too long.
Last week’s policy announcement by the B.C. Government is a significant step forward in defending wild salmon against the array of threats posed by open net-pen salmon farms. The policy also represents a positive step towards reconciliation with First Nations, requiring as it does the consent of First Nations to farms within their territories.
More troubling is the timeline associated with the policy: it does not take effect until 2022, and then only for new and renewing tenures—meaning it applies to less than half of the current farm tenures. The remaining tenures extend from 2023-2046. The four-year timeline is too long: B.C.’s wild stocks are in crisis, with severe run failures and unprecedented fishery closures. Another four years means virtually every salmon run south of the central coast will be subjected to more parasitic lice, disease and predation from farms.
Some farms may be removed earlier than 2022. Government-to-government negotiations are continuing between the Province and Broughton-area First Nations about 17 farms in their territories that are now operating on month-to-month tenures, pending the outcome of those negotiations. These Nations have been clear in their opposition to open net-pen fish farms. We commend all parties for engaging in this important process and look forward to the outcomes.
It will be up to the federal government to determine how many farms are actually removed from the water by 2022. By that date, about 95 of the federal operating licences will be up for renewal and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans should make a determination as to the potential for harm to wild salmon when they consider renewal. To date, DFO and the federal government have shown no leadership on protecting wild salmon from viruses, parasites, predation, and other threats posed by the fish farms. Concerns raised by the Auditor General and the Cohen Commission of Inquiry, about DFO’s management of the industry, have not been addressed.
The Provincial government’s announcement is a significant step forward for British Columbia and the wild salmon that are the heart and soul of our province. But urgent action is still required from the provincial and federal governments to protect wild salmon and all who depend on them.
For more information:
Living Oceans Society (SeaChoice partner organization), Georgia Strait Alliance and Watershed Watch respond to Province’s fish farm announcement
The David Suzuki Foundation (SeaChoice partner organization) responds to Province’s fish farm announcement
SeaChoice priority species profile for B.C. farmed Atlantic salmon
