An agreement between Cermaq Canada, Marine Harvest Canada, the provincial government of British Columbia, and three First Nations will result in the closure of up to 17 salmon farms in the Broughton Archipelago, near Vancouver Island.
The ‘Namgis First Nation, the Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nations, and Mamalilikulla First Nation have expressed concern about the state of the wild salmon stocks in the area. A letter of understanding signed on 14 December by the First Nations, the provincial government, and the aquaculture companies puts in place a plan to address issues that may be having a negative impact on wild salmon.
The agreement will result in the phase-out of up to 17 salmon farms between 2019 and 2023 in order to create a farm-free migration corridor to help reduce harm to wild salmon. The agreement also establishes a First Nations-led monitoring and inspection program to oversee those farms during the transition; requires the implementation of new technologies to address environmental risks, including sea lice; encourages efforts to enhance wild salmon habitat restoration and rehabilitation in the Broughton Archipelago; and calls for increasing support for First Nations economic development and job training opportunities.
“Our Nations, together with many British Columbians, have been raising serious concerns about this industry for decades. We are grateful that governments and industry are finally starting to listen and work with us to find solutions that aim to protect and restore wild salmon and other resources,” said Chief Robert Chamberlin, Elected Chief Councillor of the Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation. “There is much that still must be done, but these recommendations are a significant positive step in a better direction.”
Of the 17 farms slated for potential closure, seven farms have the potential to remain open past 2023 if granted permission by First Nations. The agreement “provides for a transition that allows industry to respond and provides an opportunity for transparent monitoring and oversight,” according to British Columbia Premier John Horgan
“Our governments have come together to help revitalize and protect wild salmon, and provide greater economic certainty for communities and local workers. These are the kinds of gains true reconciliation can deliver,” Horgan said. “The success of this process shows that when the provincial government and First Nations work together in the spirit of recognition and respect, taking into consideration the concerns of the federal government and industry, we can deliver results in the best interests of all who live and work here.”
Diane Morrison, the managing director of Marine Harvest Canada, said the company will withdraw its tenure replacement applications for Arrow Passage and Glacier Falls, and will relinquish its tenure at Potts Bay. However, in order to maintain the company’s annual harvest volume over time, the company will seek a number of license and tenure amendments to shift production to other regional sites. The company also intends to create new salmon farming sites “where there is First Nations interest and consent,” Morrison said.
Marine Harvest currently operates 12 farms in the Broughton area, annually producing approximately 12,000 metric tons of salmon. The company said it generates CAD 200 million (USD 149.1 million, EUR 131.1 million) annually from the farms, and that the farms employ 461 people directly, in addition to supporting year-round operations at Marine Harvest’s Port Hardy processing plant and a value-added processing plant in Surrey.
“We approached these discussions seeking solutions that would both address the concerns of the First Nations and maintain our commitment to the well-being of our employees, support businesses, and stakeholders,” Morrison said. “Going forward, we see the implementation of the recommendations as a positive step toward building mutual goodwill, trust, and respect as we work to earn First Nations consent of our operations in their territories.”
For its part, Cermaq Canada will close its Cliff Bay and Burdwood farms, according to David Kiemele, the managing director of Cermaq Canada. He said the company “fully supports” the new agreement.
“We are heartened by the outcome of the conversations held around the Broughton government-to-government LOU table. For Cermaq Canada, this plan is important in terms of reconciliation and reflects Cermaq Canada ongoing approach to doing business in First Nation’s Territories,” Kiemele said.
Kiemele said Cermaq Canada is committed to working to rebuild salmon runs in the Broughton region.
“The guidelines and actions proposed within the LOU are in line with work already underway by Cermaq to support salmon habitat enhancement and restoration programs,” he said. “Cermaq is committed to move forward, together, in a way that will help to protect and enhance wild salmon populations, and the aim of further development of sustainable and responsible production of farmed salmon for generations to come. This aligns with Cermaq’s strong support of the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and the Action Platform on Sustainable Ocean Business.”
Photo courtesy of Marine Harvest Canada
