Future of BC salmon farming without net pens up for debate.
The Northern Way reports that talks are underway on B.C’s salmon farming transition.
Throughout February and March, Parliamentary Secretary Terry Beech will be holding virtual roundtable sessions with B.C. First Nations, the aquaculture industry and environmental stakeholders.
“As a British Columbian, I know how important the aquaculture sector is to our economy, our workforce, and the sustainability of coastal communities in our province,” Beech said.
“The transition from open-net pens will make this vital industry more sustainable and more prosperous in the long-term. I look forward to collaborating with Indigenous communities, the Government of British Columbia, industry members, scientists, and other partners to determine the best path forward on a transition plan that meets the needs of our communities, our workers, and our environment,” he added.
The phase-out work has already started with the removal of salmon farming in the Discovery Islands, British Columbia, from June 30, 2022.
He said that the findings of consultations and the public feedback will guide the next steps in the transition from open-net pens. This means a move to “more sustainable technology”.
The Canadian government recently posted its economic aims post-COVID-19 to be “a global leader in the blue economy”. Close to 90 per-cent of the value of Canada’s seafood farming sector currently comes from farmed salmon.
