Land based farms not as simple as column says
By David Minato, Courier-Islander November 10, 2010
Re: Land-Based Closed Containment Salmon Farms by Ray Grigg, Nov. 5 Courier -Islander.
It was good to see columnist Ray Grigg discuss some of the work that's being done to research further the idea of closed containment technology.
BC's salmon farmers, of course, are very involved in the closed containment research. We already use all of this technology in hatchery systems for the first year of our salmons' lives - and we continue to assess any extension of the technology's application.
There are still many issues that prohibit that step though. Cost is certainly one of them: Dr. Wright's calculations are based on 100 metric tonnes, but BC produces up to 80,000 metric tonnes of farmed salmon a year - multiplying his total significantly.
Cost isn't meant in simply the economic sense either. While at first blush, closed containment may seem to eliminate any environment impact; in reality it adds an entirely new suite of them. The author suggests that 400 litres of fresh water per minute is a 'modest' use: but these systems would be operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. That usage isn't modest - it's irresponsible.
Seven thousand five hundred football fields worth of land clearing and paving would be required to accommodate the current industry on land. Fossil fuel generators are neither economically nor environmentally responsible. The other option: moving farms nearer to urban centres to access power, does nothing to provide economic and social sustainability in rural areas of the coast.
Finally, we also need to consider animal welfare. While higher density would be required for economic feasibility of these operations, it could have a negative effect on the fishes' health.
All of these things require more research. Dozens of projects have already failed as we look for more answers.
In the meantime, salmon farmers are ensuring their ocean operations continue in a responsible, sustainable manner - with good management plans and strong regulations to ensure our strong industry continues.
David Minato,
Member and Community Relations Co-ordinator,
BC Salmon Farmers Association
