Letter: Sciences misrepresented
Burnaby Now, Published: January 05, 2012
When I read Wanda Chow’s interview with streamkeeper and Stoney Creek Environmental Committee member Alan James (Hopes & Plans 2012: A closer look at environmental issues, Jan. 4, 2012), I thought it was my New Year’s day hangover blurring my vision. But then I remembered I don’t drink.
While I sincerely appreciate the work of streamkeepers (I am one myself), it’s unfortunate that Mr. James misrepresents some important science happening in B.C.
This science, discussed last month at the Cohen Commission’s Fraser Sockeye Salmon Inquiry, is looking at salmon health and a lot more research is required. But contrary to what Mr. James said, there has not been an “outbreak” of any new fish disease (Infectious Salmon Anemia (ISA)) in B.C salmon.
In fact, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has stated that over 7,000 samples of wild, hatchery and farmed salmon have been tested to international standards and confirm no ISA virus.
So it’s unclear to me why Mr. James not only misrepresents science but then erroneously attempts to link a virus that doesn’t exist in B.C. farmed salmon to B.C.’s fish farms.
The hard work of streamkeepers is a vital part of ensuring our urban watersheds and fish within them are cared for. But so is communication of fact. Special attention to both is my hope and plan for 2012.
Ian Roberts
Salmon Farmer
Campbell River
Ian Roberts letter was in response to the following:
Hopes & plans for 2012: A closer look at environmental issues
By Wanda Chow - Burnaby NewsLeader, January 01, 2012
Alan James is a member of the Stoney Creek Environment Committee.
Q: Were there any surprises for you regarding the environment/streamkeeping in 2011?
SFU Facilities have built a new road salt handling facility and their PR touts environmental sustainability. It surprises me that they still have not acted to clean up the old road salt storage area, which has been contaminating Stoney Creek since the mid-’80s.
Q:What do you think is the most pressing issue for the environment/streamkeeping right now and why?
In B.C., there is an outbreak of infectious salmon anemia (ISA) virus in B.C.’s wild salmon. The probable cause is that Department of Fisheries and Oceans allowed B.C. fish farms to import infected Atlantic salmon eggs from Europe, where the outbreak began and decimated Norwegian fish farms. The virus spread to Chile with similar consequences. Now it is here.
In Burnaby—since most of Burnaby’s watersheds are in areas controlled by the Parks, Recreation and Culture Department, there must be a greater emphasis on environmental sustainability within that department. The new Burnaby web page for Parks says nothing about the wildlife protection. There must be a public review of the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area Management Plan, which was approved by council back in 2000. Many items in that plan, including establishing a Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area Advisory Committee, have not been carried out.
Q:What are your plans to help address this, or other issues, in the New Year?
I will continue to advocate for the fish in our streams and for the wildlife in Burnaby Parks.
Q:What would be the best thing that could happen for the environment in 2012?
That DFO would take responsibility for the outbreak of ISA virus in B.C.’s wild salmon and require salmon farms to use closed ponds, not the open ocean.
Q: The worst thing?
Another chemical dumped into a storm drain. All storm drains lead to creeks.
Q:What are your hopes for the community in the New Year that have the best chances of actually happening?
The Burnaby Environmental Sustainability Strategy Study, which parallels the Social Sustainability Strategy, begins in the new year. I hope that the results will show that Burnaby residents really do care about preserving Burnaby’s wonderful natural areas. I hope the city will then shift some of its resources away from economic development toward environmental sustainability.
Q:Give us your wildest and craziest prediction?
In 2012, I will see my first northern pygmy owl in Burnaby.
