According to Fred Glendale, Councilor and Resource Manager, Da’naxda/Awaetlala Nation, an economic opportunity has come to the Kitasoo/Xai’xais people at Klemtu in the form of salmon aquaculture.
But salmon aquaculture is controversial with some BC First Nations – including some of their neighbouring Nations in the Broughton Archipelago.
The Da’naxda’xw/Awaetlala Nation has been watching the development of salmon aquaculture for a while now. "We know it has provided employment, stability and hope for the future for places like Klemtu. But what can aquaculture offer us? And at what cost to our environment?" Asks Fred Glendale.
After a visit to Norway he says he was surprised by the many species now being raised through commercial aquaculture – cod, halibut, tilapia, trout, catfish, and carp were discussed but oysters, shrimp, mussels, and clams are also being produced through aquaculture as well.
As a result, he says, fish culture will be less affected by climate change than land raised animals. "But certainly there are environmental concerns about aquaculture."
Fred Glendale says he was encouraged by research and development that continually addresses these concerns. "We want to work with Marine Harvest Canada to satisfy ourselves that their farms do not harm our environment."
Aboriginal Community Turning to Aquaculture
CANADA - Today, B.C.s aboriginal peoples are striving for the same things as everyone else and a future in aquaculture may be the key to economic success.
