The British Columbia Salmon Farmer’s Association (BCSFA) on Tuesday released new data on the health of Fraser River sockeye salmon near 120 farms over a 10-year period. The report is part of Justice Bruce Cohen’s ruling in December inquiring into the decline of the fish.
The data supports what has been reported publicly through the provincial government since the fish health database was established, which is that fish health standards on farms are very high, mortality rates are very low and there are no findings of exotic disease, according to the BCSFA.
“Bringing together this extensive amount of information has been a challenge. But it tells a good story about the good health of our fish and the strong management practices on our farms,” said BCSFA Executive Director Mary Ellen Walling. “We hope it will help Justice Cohen with the complex inquiry process that is underway.”
Cod, haddock fisheries enter MSC assessment
Following the certification of its saithe fishery, UK Fisheries, DFFU and Doggerbank GmbH are now pursuing Marine Stewardship Council certification for their Arctic cod and haddock fisheries.
The fisheries comprises eight freezer trawlers that use otter trawls. They are under jurisdiction of Norway, with fishing operations subject to strict licensing and quota controls. If successful, 18,739 metric tons of cod and 3,339 metric tons of haddock caught by the organizations will be eligible to bear the MSC eco-label.
Smoked salmon producer celebrates State of the Union
Anacortes, Wash.-based SeaBear Smokehouse is offering a one-day special offer in celebration of President Obama mentioning smoked salmon is his Sate of the Union address on Tuesday. Available direct-to-consumer through SeaBear.com, the offer of buy one get one free on the company’s Copper River Sockeye Smoked Salmon is good through the end of the day Wednesday.
“Whether Democrat, Republican or Independent, there is one thing we can all agree upon — smoked salmon is a delicious treat,” said Mike Mondello, the company’s president. “So, in the spirit of president’s call for greater unity, we’re celebrating with an unprecedented, truly bi-partisan offer.”
