A new map highlighting all Atlantic salmon farms active during the wild salmon outmigration period in 2011 is adding to the extensive amount of information made public by members of the BC Salmon Farmers Association.
"This is a great reference for people who want to understand more about where we are operating, particularly as wild salmon are moving out from rivers and streams to the open ocean," said Mary Ellen Walling, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association.
The maps show all Atlantic salmon farm sites in British Columbia that were active at any time between April 1 and July 1 in 2011. It also indicates which farms had first-year fish and second-year fish during that time. Earlier this year, BCSFA members released maps like these for 2007 to 2010.
The dots marking each farm site are greatly amplified from the actual proportional size on a map this size. This was done so that people can more easily see where the sites are located.
"This is important information for the public to have - it helps support the data that's been released through the Cohen Commission and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans while correcting some of the misinformation that's circulated about the scale of our operations," said Walling.
Salmon farmers in BC employ numerous management practices to protect the health of both farmed and wild fish. These strategies are of particular focus during the spring when young wild species are migrating out from the rivers. During that time, the frequency of sea lice counts and fish health monitoring on farms increases. All companies work with each other to discuss farm operations and maintain effective area management strategies.
Marine Harvest Canada, Mainstream Canada and Grieg Seafood will also provide monthly updates as well beginning in January, regarding operations and sea lice levels at their farms in Okisollo and Hoskyn channels, as they did last year.
"All of these initiatives show our commitment to transparency and education," said Walling.
To access the maps, click on "Resources" in the top menu bar of www.salmonfarmers.org and then select "Studies and Publications" from the drop-down menu. The maps are listed under the BCSFA Members' table. Or, you can download them by clicking here.
The BCSFA represents salmon farm companies and those who supply services and supplies to the industry. Salmon farming provides for 6,000 direct and indirect jobs while contributing $800-million to the provincial economy each year.
For more information:
Colleen Dane
Communications Manager
(250) 286-1636 x225