Mainstream states that this violation of quarantine puts farmed salmon at other sites at risk. The actions of the activist and Tofino Water Taxi, which transported him, are now being investigated by the RCMP and by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Mainstream Canada is considering legal action against the parties who violated the quarantine.
Salmon farming provides approximately 160 jobs on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, and contributes millions of dollars to the local economy. The actions of Rudd and others could jeopardize these positive economic benefits.
The Mainstream site has been quarantined to control all movements in and out of the area. The purpose of quarantine is to minimise any risks of spreading the Infectious Haematopoietic Necrosis virus from one location to another. This quarantine was ordered under the authority of the CFIA.
The CFIA's quarantine is under the authority of the Health of Animals Act and the Health of Animals Regulations. Any violations can be prosecuted as a criminal offence.
Mainstream Canada reminds all community members, media, activists and boats to respect the quarantine around Dixon Bay farm.
Quarantine Violation Puts Farms and Jobs at Risk
CANADA - The quarantine around Mainstream Canada's Dixon Bay farm was deliberately broken by Tofino filmmaker and anti-salmon farming activist Warren Rudd, who was collecting video footage on behalf of CHEK TV.
by Lucy Towers
