Parksville Qualicum Beach News

By TOM FLETCHER
Jan 27 2006

VICTORIA — One of B.C.’s large salmon farm operators has reached an agreement with environmental groups to move its adult Atlantic salmon away from the wild salmon migration route on the Broughton Archipelago during this spring’s migration.

Marine Harvest Canada and the nine member groups of the Coastal Alliance for Aquaculture Reform have also agreed to coordinate their research on the impact of fish farm sea lice on the wild salmon population, as well as the viability of closed tank systems that could replace the open net cages currently used.

“We’re encouraged that one of the major aquaculture companies in B.C. is willing to consider moving in the right direction,” says Jennifer Lash, executive director of the Living Oceans Society.

Clare Blackman of Marine Harvest said discussions over the past year have helped environmental groups appreciate the need for commercially viable fish farms.

The NDP campaigned in last year’s provincial election for a ban on net-pen fish farming. The BC Liberal government set up a legislative committee with an NDP majority to review the industry and recommend new regulations.

— Tom Fletcher is Black Press’ B.C. legislative reporter

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