The licenses for all 18 salmon farms in the Discovery Islands are due to be renewed by December 18th, 2020. As these sites are within the traditional territories of the Holmalco, Klahoose, K’omoks Tla’amin, We Wai Kai (Cape Mudge), Wei Wai Kum (Campbell River) and Kwiakah First Nations, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) sent them letters stating they have a 60 day window to respond before a final decision is made.
Continue reading A 60 day window – Discovery Island Salmon farmsTag Archives: Discovery Islands
The Canadian Government has until December 18th to decide: 18 salmon farms
Two months have passed since Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) announced that “nine peer-reviewed, scientific risk assessments” find that salmon farms pose a ‘minimal risk’ to salmon migrating through the Discovery Islands. This finding is important because the Canadian Government has until December 18th to decide whether to renew the licenses of the 18 salmon farms operating in that region.
Continue reading The Canadian Government has until December 18th to decide: 18 salmon farms
UVIC researcher talks about about microplastics in Shellfish
Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
When it comes to shellfish, concerns around the consumption of microplastics are a good news, bad news story. Studies show shellfish on the B.C. coast, farmed and otherwise, appear to contain minimal levels of microplastics unlikely to endanger human health, researcher Garth Covernton said – But it’s too early to breathe a sigh of relief!
Continue reading UVIC researcher talks about about microplastics in Shellfish
Are DFO scientists too dependent on funding from industry?
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) unleashed a storm of protests, when they announced that salmon farms pose a minimal risk to migrating wild salmon. One of the most telling criticisms came through an interview that the Globe and Mail had with Kristi Miller-Saunders, head of the department’s molecular genetics laboratory at the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo. Dr. Miller-Saunders is troubled about the assessments and the fact department scientists are depend on funding from industry.
Continue reading Are DFO scientists too dependent on funding from industry?
Straitwatch: the Discovery Island’s ‘whale police’
Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A putrid stink wafts across the water and engulfs the Straitwatch vessel floating off the southern end of Quadra Island.
The Zodiac’s operator, Alex Forman, wrinkles his nose at the odour that hangs in the air, strongly reminiscent of fermented garbage.
“Whale breath,” he explains. “Humpbacks don’t brush their teeth much.”
Continue reading Straitwatch: the Discovery Island’s ‘whale police’