Fish farm restocking part of crop cycle
 By Mary Ellen Walling, Times Colonist January 25, 2011

Re: "Return of fish farm reckless, groups say," Jan. 13

The recent criticism of the restocking of a salmon farm on the east side of Quadra Island is lacking context. This is not the addition of a new farm, it is the restocking of a lease that has existed for many years. There are nine leases in Okisollo and Hoskyn channels. Six are fallow today (empty as part of a regular farming practice between crop cycles), two are being harvested for the market and one is being stocked with fish.

Of the nine sites farmers could be operating, three are being used. These leases are approved only after extensive data is collected and regulations established. Government regulators monitor activity and companies are required to test for and report on fish health and other environmental data. In fact, Okisollo and Hoskyn channels are an example of co-operation and responsible management.

Mary Ellen Walling
Executive director
B.C. Salmon Farmers Association

BCSFA has more information about these fish farms posted on their website at:

Update on Okisollo and Hoskyn Channel salmon farms