Ottawa Delays Closure Of B.C.'S Open-Net Salmon Farms

The federal government is delaying the ban on open net salmon farms off BC for five years. The ban will take place on June 30th, 2029.

The federal government says they will release a draft salmon aquaculture transition plan by the end of July, that will focus on how to support First Nations, workers, and communities in this transition; identify economic supports for the use of innovative and clean aquaculture technology; and how to manage things until the ban is fully implemented.

North Island MLA Michele Babchuk says the announcement will have a profound effect on working families.

She says she is “extremely disappointed that it lacks a clear plan and significant funding to support the impacted workers and communities, particularly on northern Vancouver Island where B.C. salmon farmers are the largest employers.”

Over the coming months, federal departments will engage with those directly and indirectly affected by this transition.

The transition only applies to aquaculture practices in British Columbia, where Fisheries and Oceans Canada is the lead regulator for aquaculture.

Elsewhere in Canada, where provinces and territories are the lead regulator, Fisheries and Oceans Canada respects their jurisdiction.

BC’s Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Nathan Cullen, says the province continues to ask for supports as part of a transition plan.

In a statement, Cullen says he hopes the federal government will work directly with impacted communities and workers on next steps, and they must make sure First Nations have a direct role in determining what the transition looks like in their territories.

“Wild Pacific salmon are critical to all the people, fisheries and communities that depend on this iconic species. We will continue to work with communities to restore abundant salmon runs, to support food security, strong local economies and good fisheries jobs,” Cullen said.