Canada failing to protect wild salmon, groups say

CANADA - Two international conservation groups have given Canada a failing grade in the protection of wild Atlantic salmon from the environmental hazards of fish farms.

The Atlantic Salmon Federation, based in New Brunswick, and Washington's World Wildlife Fund gave Canada the lowest ranking in their 2005 report, released yesterday.

Bill Taylor, spokesman for the salmon federation, said Canada is failing to meet its obligations under international treaties aimed at protecting the vanishing wild salmon from the impact of aquaculture.

The biggest problems, he said, are in Atlantic Canada, especially in the Bay of Fundy. The bay has the highest concentration of fish farms in the world. "It's a recipe for disaster," Mr. Taylor said.

Source: theglobeandmail.com