2011 Outmigration Farm Sites Mapped For Public

"This is a great reference for people who want to understand more about where we are operating, particularly as wild salmon are moving out from rivers and streams to the open ocean," said Mary Ellen Walling, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association.

The maps show all Atlantic salmon farm sites in British Columbia that were active at any time between 1 April and 1 July in 2011. It also indicates which farms had first-year fish and second-year fish during that time. Earlier this year, BCSFA members released maps like these for 2007 to 2010.

The dots marking each farm site are greatly amplified from the actual proportional size on a map this size. This was done so that people can more easily see where the sites are located.

"This is important information for the public to have - it helps support the data that's been released through the Cohen Commission and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans while correcting some of the misinformation that's circulated about the scale of our operations," said Ms Walling.

Salmon farmers in BC employ numerous management practices to protect the health of both farmed and wild fish. These strategies are of particular focus during the spring when young wild species are migrating out from the rivers. During that time, the frequency of sea lice counts and fish health monitoring on farms increases. All companies work with each other to discuss farm operations and maintain effective area management strategies.

Marine Harvest Canada, Mainstream Canada and Grieg Seafood will also provide monthly updates as well beginning in January, regarding operations and sea lice levels at their farms in Okisollo and Hoskyn channels, as they did last year.

"All of these initiatives show our commitment to transparency and education," said Ms Walling.

To access the maps, click on "Resources" in the top menu bar of www.salmonfarmers.org and then select "Studies and Publications" from the drop-down menu.