The Canadian Aquaculture Suppliers Association (CASA), a new national organization representing companies supplying the country’s aquaculture industry, and the British Columbia Salmon Farmers Association have called on Canada's federal government to reverse its decision eliminating salmon farming in the province's Discovery Islands.
In late 2020, the Canadian government suddenly announced that it planned to phase out all existing salmon farming facilities in the Discovery Islands, located within British Columbia, within 18 months – a period ending June 2022. Communities in the region said they were “blindsided” by the decision, with the B.C. Salmon Farmers Association and the Northern Vancouver Island mayor condemning the sudden notice.
The announcement has already led to companies culling of millions of healthy salmon, closing salmon hatcheries in the region, and laying off employees. Their legal challenges pleading for leeway on the 18-month deadline were partially granted by courts in the region, but were denied in some cases.
Now, the Canadian Aquaculture Suppliers Association is calling on the government to rethink its decision in the face of rising inflation and demand for seafood.
“Canadians are seeing their food bills increase dramatically thanks to inflation and stretched-thin global supply chains. Farmed salmon, responsibly cultivated in Canada, will lessen this impact, support local businesses, jobs, and First Nations, along with benefiting Canada’s post-COVID recovery,” CASA President Ben James said in a release.
According to estimates by CASA, the Discovery Islands decision puts upwards of 3,000 jobs at risk in the region. The association also pointed out that 20 percent of all jobs in salmon farming are held by Indigenous people, with 80 percent of all salmon production done under agreements with First Nations communities.
“It is estimated that the federal government’s decision to halt the renewal of the Discovery Islands permits has resulted in some CAD 1.4 billion [USD 1.1 billion, EUR 976 million] in planned national investment being frozen,” the CASA said.
James called on decision-makers to “stand up, be counted and support Canadian jobs, businesses, and future investment.”
The call to reverse the decision came as the B.C. Salmon Farmers Association released a new economic analysis, which found more than 4,700 jobs could be at risk if the licenses in the region are not renewed. It also found the GDP of British Columbia could drop by CAD 427 million (USD 335 million, EUR 297 million) if salmon farming is eliminated in the province.
“Coastal communities in B.C. deserve better, especially during an ongoing pandemic that has already caused severe stress, mental health strain, and economic pressure on many families, households and communities,” B.C. Salmon Farmers Association Interim Executive Director Ruth Salmon said. “After years of instability and concern, these communities deserve a secure and prosperous future.”
Photo courtesy of Alexander Gold/Shutterstock
