Broadcast News (Vancouver Sun)

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

VANCOUVER -- A coalition of environmentalists, First Nations and commercial fishermen is warning that pink salmon stocks off the central B.C. coast are in danger of collapse.

Alexandra Morton of the Coastal Alliance for Aquaculture Reform says pink returns are dismally low and she blames sea lice from fish farms.

Her group says the farms should be emptied to provide a safe migration route for wild salmon in the Broughton Archipelago and there should be a coast-wide moratorium on new farms.

The coalition says the long-term solution is for fish farms to operate closed containment systems instead of net pens open to the ocean.

Chief Bill Cranmer of the Namgis First Nation says the open net farms are undermining wild salmon, marine ecosystems and the traditional native way of life.

Joy Thorkelson of the United Fishermen and Allied Workers Union says salmon farms have brought disaster to the Broughton and fishermen are worried about their livelihoods if the industry is allowed to expand.

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