The Namgis First Nation and Ḵwiḵwa̱sut’inux̱w Ha̱xwa’mis First Nation have filed for a judicial review to overturn the renewal of federal licences for 14 open-net salmon farms in British Columbia.
The licences, renewed for five years by Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier on June 19, affect farms owned by Mowi and Grieg Seafood.
The First Nations argue that they were not properly consulted on the licence renewals, despite their historical fishing rights and the potential impact on Pacific salmon migration routes. The Trudeau government had previously mandated a transition from open net-pen salmon farming by 2025, but the deadline was extended to 2029.
First Nations supporting salmon farming expressed concerns that the five-year transition period could effectively shut down the industry, while opponents believe the timeline is too long and endangers wild salmon populations.
The judicial review seeks to quash the licence renewals and requires the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to engage in proper consultation with the affected First Nations.
Salmon Farmers Association responds
The BC Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA) responded to the recent court challenge by Coastal First Nations, emphasizing its respect for First Nations’ rights and titles over their traditional territories. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Association noted that all salmon farms in British Columbia operate under partnerships, agreements, or negotiations with the local First Nations.
Brian Kingzett, Executive Director of BCSFA, said, “Our sector has consistently maintained that we will not farm where we do not have consent, and we have honored that commitment.”
He highlighted that many agreements include Guardian programs with stricter regulations than those imposed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Kingzett also pointed to data showing that current ocean salmon farms pose minimal risk to wild Pacific salmon and reiterated the industry’s commitment to working with governments and First Nations to ensure responsible and sustainable farming practices.
The Namgis First Nation is an Indigenous community located on the northeast coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. The Namgis people are part of the larger Kwakwaka’wakw cultural group and have a rich history and deep cultural connection to the land and sea.
The Ḵwiḵwa̱sut’inux̱w Ha̱xwa’mis First Nation (KHFN) is another Indigenous group within the Kwakwaka’wakw cultural group, located on the central coast of British Columbia. Like the Namgis, the KHFN has a long-standing cultural and economic relationship with the marine environment, particularly with salmon fishing.
