BCSFA highlights fish health, transparency

 The British Columbia Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA) on Monday highlighted its commitment to fish health and transparency, pointing to data it obtained via a freedom-of-information request from the province's Ministry of Agriculture and Lands.

The data showed no occurrences of infectious salmon anemia or any "exotic" fish diseases, and the low number of mortalities caused by natural, locally occurring illnesses occur only after the salmon are introduced to pens, said the BCSFA. The data was collected during routine visits to farm sites by provincial officials.

"B.C. salmon farmers are committed to increased transparency when it comes to information about the industry's operations. The provincial fish health program is an example of the success of that spirit of co-operation," said BCSFA Executive Director Mary Ellen Walling.

However, she cautioned that the data could be taken out of context and misinterpreted.

"We are concerned that this data will be manipulated to create undue fear amongst the public," said Walling. "The salmon farming industry is already more transparent with its information than any other food producing industry in the province, and it's important that those numbers are explained responsibly."

Subscribe

Want seafood news sent to your inbox?

You may unsubscribe from our mailing list at any time. Diversified Communications | 121 Free Street, Portland, ME 04101 | +1 207-842-5500
None