Ahousaht confident ISA virus fears unfounded
Westerly News January 12, 2012
The Ahousaht First Nation keeps a close watch on what goes on in our territory and we are confident there is no need to fear the Infectious Salmon Anemia (ISA) virus is in Ahousaht traditional waters.
We, the Ha'wiih, have worked for centuries to maintain our resources, and will continue to practice our cultural ways of maintaining our lands and resources with the utmost respect for the environment and mother earth.
We have made it clear that companies will follow our protocols to ensure that the environmental impact will be respected and have entrusted the Ahousaht Fish Farm Committee to continue the implementation of the protocols as is their mandate from the Ahousaht Ha'wiih.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced December 2 that after an extensive investigation, they found no evidence that ISA was in B.C. farmed or wild salmon.
We are confident their announcement is based on good science and a thorough investigation.
Ahousaht will continue to stay informed about this situation.
Wally Samuel and the Ahousaht Fish Farm Committee will work with the appropriate parties and will provide input to make sure the wild salmon will stay healthy, providing for generations to come.
Keith (Kiista) Atleo, Ahousat
