As of the first week of June, five of the nine farm sites in the channels are operating, with one site completing harvest since our last update.
The BC Salmon Farmers Association and its members update the public about operations and sea lice counts on a site-by-site basis from January to the end of summer (the wild salmon migration period).
Okisollo Channel is located just north of Campbell River and is home to five farms: two of Marine Harvest Canadas, two of Mainstream Canadas and one operated by Grieg Seafood. Hoskyn Channel, on the east side of Quadra Island has four Marine Harvest Canada sites one of which has been sublet by Grieg Seafood.
Currently in operation are Cyrus Rocks and Okisollo (Marine Harvest Canada), Venture Point and Brent Island (Mainstream Canada) and Barnes Bay (Grieg Seafood).
Below are the most current sea lice counts for each of the operating farms.
These farms are well managed and highly regulated to ensure that wild stocks migrating past these sites are protected, no matter how many of the farms are operating. Sea lice numbers are monitored regularly and show levels below the threshold levels for treatment as required by regulation (see table above).