Minister Gail Shea is in Trondheim, Norway this week at the annual Aqua Nor trade show, where, in 2005, Canada showcased sustainable aquaculture management as the event's feature country, reports TheTyee. According to the news organsiation, things have changed since then.
Now, Norwegian companies are being blamed for the decline of wild stocks -- and, fueled by a reports of a record low for Fraser River sockeye returns -- the issue is gaining international attention, says TheTyee.
This week, the organization Pure Salmon sent King Harald of Norway a video about the negative impacts of Norweigan-owned fish farms here in B.C. Earlier this month, Canadian celebrity William Shatner made news by sending a letter to federal and provincial leaders asking that fish farms be removed from wild salmon routes.
Several government-commissioned reports from the Pacific Salmon Forum and Special Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture have acknowledged the link between fish farms and the spread of sea lice to wild populations. Both recommended a cap on production at open-net fish farms, and investment in closed-containment technology.
B.C. Farmers Protest at Aqua Nor
NORWAY - The presence of the federal fisheries minister at an international aquaculture trade show this week sent the wrong message to British Columbia's beleaguered salmon fishing industry, said protesters at a rally in downtown Vancouver today.
