Tag Archives: Read Island

Indigenous Nations, Rivers & Oceans

The BC Salmon Farmers Association new ‘independent’ sea lice report 

The opinions that follow belong to the people expressing them and are not necessarily shared by Cortes Radio, its board, staff, producers or listeners.

The BC Salmon Farmers Association has just released what they claim is an independent study of ‘Sea lice in the Discovery Islands.’ 

Their study is filled with terms like – “independent data,” “independently collected data,” “independent professional biological consultants,” “independently collected and analyzed scientific data,” “independent monitoring,” “independent sampling,” and “independent biologists” – but does not say who actually did the research. 

Continue reading The BC Salmon Farmers Association new ‘independent’ sea lice report  →
Water

All about the Island Aquifers

This is the third in a series of articles about island aquifers. First, we spoke to the Quadra ICAN water security team members Jude McCormick, Kris Wellstein, Bernie Amell and Mike Gall about evidences that the groundwater supply is diminishing on Quadra Island. Then we reviewed some previous stories about this issue on Cortes Island.  Now we return to Quadra ICAN, where the water security team delve deeper into the issues affecting island aquifers.

Continue reading All about the Island Aquifers →
Water

All about registering groundwater wells

With the deadline for registering irrigation, commercial or industrial use wells fast approaching, the Quadra ICAN water security team is concerned that some people may miss out. 

According to the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development press release, “A water licence is not required for a household well or groundwater used for domestic purposes, such as watering lawns and gardens. Domestic groundwater users are encouraged to register their well for free.” 

Kris Wellstein pointed out that water used for home industries like egg stands, market gardens and fruit trees (if the fruit is sold) is classified as commercial.  

Continue reading All about registering groundwater wells →
Indigenous Nations, Waste

Beach clean-up in Southern Discovery Islands

A massive beach clean-up is underway in the intertidal zones of the Southern Discovery Islands. 

“The volume of debris we are finding is mind blowing. We are focusing on larger items instead of the tiny little microplastics. We’re trying to get the larger items out before they become the microplastics,” explained Breanne Quesnel. “I know we have some very responsible aquaculture operations in our region, but the amount of aquaculture debris is mind boggling: styrofoam, trays; baskets; nettings and things that have just gotten away at one point – or derelict sites.”

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Forests, Tourism

Tourism Sector seeks increased logging restrictions in the Outer Discovery Islands

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A $50 million a year business seeks increased logging restrictions in the Outer Discovery Islands. 

Ralph Kellar, ad hoc chair of the Discovery Islands Marine Tourism Group, cites studies showing that marine tourism brings just as much money as logging into the local economy. 

Continue reading Tourism Sector seeks increased logging restrictions in the Outer Discovery Islands →