The Cohen Commission of Inquiry recently concluded a three year investigation into the decline of Fraser River sockeye, presenting his 75 recommendations to the Canadian government. While global warming and fisheries management were highlighted in the report as most serious concern to the future sustainably of the Fraser River sockeye, the recommendations also included a request for additional fish health data from government hatcheries and wild salmon migrating through the Discovery Islands area.
While Justice Bruce Cohen complimented BC salmon farmers on their extensive and comprehensive fish health data, he did raise concern about the lack of wild salmon health data needed to confirm what was evidenced in the Inquiry - that BC's farm-raised salmon are healthy and have had no negative impact on Fraser River sockeye.
"In 2010, Marine Harvest, the Pacific Salmon Foundation and Fisheries and Oceans Canada partnered to begin research into wild salmon health and migratory patterns in the Discovery Islands area," says Clare Backman, Director of Sustainable Programs at MHC. "We look forward to expanding on our past support to further research into the baseline health of wild salmon and the potential interactions with our salmon farms."
Further Reading
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