Skeena MLA and fisheries critic Robin Austin is upset that 2009 has arrived without any move from the provincial government to migrate salmon aquaculture operations from open net-cage farms to closed-containment technology, even though the technology is now available, reports Canada.com.
"Gordon Campbell is too arrogant to admit that moving to closed-containment would protect jobs and wild salmon," Austin toldthe news agency.
"I'm glad that some members of the industry can see the advantage in being ahead of the pack in developing this technology. It's a shame that the Campbell government is too short-sighted to see the same benefits in helping our province lead the world in sustainable aquaculture practices.
"The technology exists, and the dire need to protect wild salmon exists. All that is missing is the political will of Gordon Campbell."
Austin was chair of the Special Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture that, in May 2007, recommended the salmon farming industry in British Columbia transition to closed-containment within five years.
Closed-containment Salmon Opportunity in Canada
CANADA - The development of a new closed-containment salmon farm has New Democrats excited about the future of the aquaculture industry in British Columbia, and disappointed that the Liberals don't see it.
