National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A remote First Nation community on the West Coast has extra reason to celebrate the new year after getting the all-clear from health officials on a COVID-19 cluster and news it’s at the front of the line for the Moderna vaccinations.
Continue reading Klahoose to get Moderna VaccineWhen the Chum salmon returned to Cortes Island four years ago, they entered every creek. Approximately 1,050 swam up Basil Creek this year, but the numbers were far lower everywhere else. Some Whaletown residents saw Chum in their creek, these did not make it to the official tally – which is zero. Despite the disappointing returns, Streamkeeper Cec Robinson describes 2020 as a year in which steps were taken to ensure future Chum runs.
Continue reading Cortes Streamkeepers: to ensure future Chum runsThe licenses for 19 salmon farms in the Discovery lslands expired today. Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is reissuing licenses for 18 months, during which time “no new fish of any size may be introduced into Discovery Islands.” “Fish at the sites can complete their growth-cycle and be harvested,” but “all farms be free of fish by June 30th, 2022.”
The Minister added, “The federal government will continue working collaboratively with partners on the responsible transition from open-net pen salmon farming in coastal British Columbia waters by 2025.”
Continue reading Closing down the Discovery Islands Salmon FarmsNational Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Federal Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan announced Thursday that controversial fish farms in the Discovery Islands on the West Coast will be phased out over the next 18 months.
Continue reading phasing out Discovery Islands fish farmsNational Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Quick action by a small, remote First Nation on the West Coast appears to have smothered the spread of COVID-19 in the tiny island community.
But the next big step for the Klahoose First Nation will be to maintain the gains it’s made and continue with household bubbles over the holidays, Chief Kevin Peacey said.
The Klahoose community on Cortes Island, B.C., emerged from lockdown last Tuesday after quarantine ended for all four individuals affected by the virus and no new cases were identified, Peacey said.
Continue reading Klahoose actions halt COVID outbreak
