Tag Archives: Fish Farms

Closing down the Discovery Islands Salmon Farms

The 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.” 

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phasing out Discovery Islands fish farms

National 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.

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Cermaq Canada’s semi-closed containment system

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

An international aquaculture company has launched a trial of a new salmon farm containment system expected to drastically reduce the exchange of sea lice between wild and farmed fish. Cermaq Canada has stocked close to half a million Atlantic salmon smolts in a new semi-closed containment system (SCCS) in Millar Channel on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It is the first time the technology has been tested in Canadian waters.

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A 60 day window – Discovery Island Salmon farms

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 HolmalcoKlahooseK’omoks Tla’aminWe 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. 

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First Nations pressure Ottawa about fish farm consultations

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Ottawa is coming under increasing pressure from First Nations in B.C. as deadlines around contentious fish farms on the West Coast draw near.

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