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Sea Lice Not Just A Coastal Problem
Scientific journals and media outlets from around the world have reported on how sea lice from open net-cage salmon farms are putting wild pink and chum salmon in the Broughton Archipelago at risk of extinction. New science is indicating the impact of sea lice from salmon farms has a much greater reach than has previously been studied. Results are still preliminary, but they suggest the largest sockeye salmon run in the world—the Fraser River—are facing unnaturally high levels of sea lice because of open net-cage salmon farms.
The Coastal Alliance for Aquaculture Reform is currently working on a study with the Pacific Salmon Commission and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to determine which sockeye populations are influenced by open net-cage farms in the Georgia Strait. Preliminary results show: in 2007, approximately 60% of juvenile sockeye examined were from the Fraser River, with Chilco and Quesnel stocks dominating; in 2008, approximately 99% were Fraser stocks, with Chilco and Shuswap dominating.
“We are not surprised by these results given the large number of farms in the area and the historic migration route of juvenile Fraser sockeye,” said Michael Price of Raincoast Conservation Foundation. “Obviously louse parasitism from farms affects more salmon species from more areas than previously thought.”
With peer-reviewed research in the Broughton Archipelago repeatedly showing that open net-cage salmon farms expose wild juvenile salmon to unnaturally high levels of sea lice during their out-migration, it is not surprising that this same dynamic would be taking place in other areas with net-cage farms.
The same logic applies to the species of wild salmon being affected. Research in Europe has already shown that juvenile Atlantic salmon and sea trout—both of which are larger as juveniles than any of the five Pacific salmon species—have experienced major declines because of farm-origin sea lice. Delaying reforms to the salmon farming industry until research tells us definitively what logic already suggests, is a waiting game that our wild Pacific salmon (pink, chum, chinook, coho and sockeye) may not be able to play much longer.
See more on the impact on Fraser River sockeye, watch researchers in the field last year.
Fraser River Communities Asking For Action
Now that evidence is emerging that sea lice are impacting wild salmon from the Fraser River, inland communities are taking notice. They want to know what risks their local wild salmon may be encountering as they migrate through the Georgia Strait. Get involved today.
CAAR members recently travelled to Williams Lake as part of an effort to speak with local groups in the Fraser River watershed about these issues. During a presentation to the BC Wildlife Federation the audience appeared surprised to hear that local stocks—Chilco and Quesnel—were the dominant Fraser stocks found in the sample.
At meetings in the Lytton, Lillooet and Mt. Currie areas, members of local First Nations and conservation groups also expressed great concern that the salmon they rely on to return each year may be affected by the open net salmon farming operations in the Georgia Strait. “It makes complete sense to them that the fish passing the farms would be impacted in the same way as local stocks, and they want to know what they can do about it,” said Ruby Berry of the Georgia Strait Alliance.
Hearing about the emerging science, some community members were ready for immediate action, “…we’ll be there. These farms have to be stopped.”
Do you live in the Fraser Basin and want to find out what you can do? Contact ruby@georgiastrait.org to get involved!
Farmed Salmon Off The Menu at a University or Hospital Cafeteria Near You
As the impacts of open net-cage salmon farming become ever more apparent, major buyers of seafood are taking notice AND taking action. Compass Group Canada, one of the largest food service companies in Canada, is removing farmed salmon from their menus.
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McGill Student and SeaChoice Volunteer, Natascia Tamburello
Photo: SeaChoice
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Compass' clients include workplaces, educational institutions (SFU, BCIT, U o Calgary, U of Ottawa, Acadia U and others), hospitals,
entertainment facilities and remote camps, and the change is being
implemented company-wide.
“When we announced our sustainable seafood policy last year we made a commitment to shift our procurement toward choices that were better for ocean health. Our first step was replacing Atlantic cod and the response from our chefs, customers, and clients was very positive,” explains Laurie Brager, Director of Sustainability for Compass Group Canada. “We are proud to announce a second major shift to demonstrate our continued progress on this important issue.”
Removing farmed salmon from their outlets is one step in the sustainable seafood commitment that Compass Group Canada is working with the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program and the SeaChoice coalition to implement.
Besides procurement changes, Chartwells, the Education Division of Compass Group Canada, is helping to get students informed and involved. Food Service Director, Andy Murray from Acadia University, explains the Wild Salmon Tasting his school is holding: “The university students we serve are increasingly interested in food sustainability, but taste is the surefire way to win people over. By introducing them to both in our dining hall we hope they will support sustainable seafood on and off campus.”
Kudos to Compass Group Canada for ‘walking the talk’ of their sustainability commitment! The change will remove approximately 50,000 lbs of farmed salmon annually.
Victory in Nova Scotia: No More Open Net Cage Salmon Farms
This month, on Canada’s Atlantic coast, science and public concern helped stop a salmon farming crisis before it could take root.
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Port Mouton Bay beach.
Photo: Clyde Fisher, Friends of Port Mouton Bay website
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In the face of an application to put a 70 acre open net-cage salmon
farm in Port Mouton Bay, the Premier of Nova Scotia announced an
indefinite moratorium on fin fish aquaculture for the area. The Premier
stated his decision was related to the area's protected lands and
"because we're listening to the community."
Congratulations to the Friends of Port Mouton Bay!
P.S. Check out this fun game, and get to know more about the BC coast – www.coastalfling.com
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