Salmon Farming Contributes Little

The Provincial Government deciding to 'Fast-Track' Salmon Farming in B.C. Stephane Dion's decision not to protect two genetically distinct and seriously threatened sockeye populations in B.C., against the advice and recommendations of his scientific advisor's, and considering reports released by B.C. and New Brunswick recommending that wild salmon and their habitats must be protected for economic and environmental reasons, this decision can only be described as disingenuous. It is contrary to the spirit and recommendations of both reports. It ignores the welfare of the species and their habitats and gives preference to other interests, very much in keeping with Mr. Dion's decision.

Salmon farming contributes little to the B.C. economy, is predominantly owned by foreign interests, it threatens sport fishing and eco-tourism which are major economic contributors, it threatens the environment and wild fish from habitat contamination, escaped fish, anti-biotics, food additives, and the proliferation of sea lice which increase fish mortality. Furthermore, it needs few employees, and the increase in computerized and mechanized systems compounds this. Thus, it contributes little to local economies or their communities.

The government of B.C. should not be giving financial or any other kind of support to this industry - (it should be heavily taxed) - which is what they have been doing and what they intend to do more of: a counter-productive policy in both financial and quality of life terms.

There are other ways of farming salmon than the open-net methods commonly used today. If our government feels that the industry has a future, then they should invest in alternative methods of fish-rearing. Their primary investment, however, should be in the future of wild salmon and their habitats, which would increase the viability and stability of the fishing industry, fish-based communities, associated industries of sport fishing and eco-tourism, the environment overall, the GDP, and the health, wealth and welfare of our citizens. And isn't that what politics and our politicians are supposed to be working for?

K.A.