Protecting BC’s Wild Salmon

Much has been written about BC salmon farming and its impact on British Columbia's wild salmon stocks. Some say salmon aquaculture places an unnecessary burden on wild BC salmon stocks through the potential for disease transfer and the fish farms use of the ocean waters. Others say that aquaculture in general and fish farms in particular are the way of the future and that salmon farming offers the best chance of protecting wild BC salmon stocks.

Scientific evidence can be found to support both points of view and it's no surprise that the BCSFA and our member companies firmly believe that - done properly - salmon aquaculture is an environmentally sustainable industry in British Columbia. It is also important to say that most of the nearly 3000 men and women who work in the aquaculture industry in BC live in the communities that dot our coast. We care deeply about the environment and fully support the efforts of concerned citizens to ensure that wild BC salmon populations are protected.

There is a lot of good work being done in aquaculture in British Columbia but there is always room for new programs, initiatives and partnerships.

Click here to read the BC Auditor General's Report - Salmon Forever: An Assessment of the Provincial Role in Sustaining Wild Salmon

Ensuring a sustainable industry

• Salmon aquaculture is a highly regulated industry with each farm required to meet more than 50 different provincial and federal requirements, as well as numerous First Nations environmental protocols and international standards, provincial coastal planning initiatives, municipal and regional district land use and development regulatory instruments.
  
  Did you know... Salmon farming is the most strictly regulated agricultural industry in BC.
• Detailed, site-specific, environmental assessments must be prepared - and approved by regulators - before farming can begin. Farms can only be located in areas with fast moving tidal currents; daily water quality testing is required; and regular underwater maintenance of nets and routine fallowing of farms helps ensure a healthy marine environment.
• Fish health is monitored by veterinarians and antibiotics can only be administered with a prescription. Fish are routinely inspected for outbreaks of disease or parasites - such as sea lice - which could pose a risk to wild salmon.
  
  Did you know... 97% of fish feed contains no antibiotics or preservatives
• Fish food consumption is closely monitored - using underwater cameras - to prevent waste and to prevent uneaten food from accumulating on the floor of the ocean pens. And divers conduct regular inspections of the ocean floor beneath salmon farms to monitor for impact.

Click here for Wild Salmon Stories