Look at all salmon
By Joel Durand, Courier-Islander October 15, 2010
RE: Light needs shining in 'shadowy recesses' of salmon farming.
I agree with Judah Harrison and Stan Proboszcz. The Cohen Commission, which is tasked at looking at Fraser River sockeye survival, should be looking closely at the numerous risks that these fish face.
I also agree that this Commission will provide a good opportunity for BC salmon farmers to showcase how well their business is run. Probably bust a few myths. The 2009 annual fish health report is now out and confirms once again that BC farm-raised salmon are very healthy. These annual reports have been available online since 2003.
But I do find it interesting that both Judah and Stan are only focused on the health of BC farmed salmon. There are less than 40 million farmed salmon that may interact with Fraser river sockeye, but there are literally billions of hatchery raised salmon (Oregon, California, BC and Alaska) that are released each year and also mingle with Fraser sockeye. When these salmon are released from hatcheries they are also potential disease carriers, yet Stan and Judah don't seem concerned at all. Why aren't they insisting on seeing fish health records for hatcheries along the West Coast.
It certainly questions their motives and makes me wonder who's paying them to maintain such a narrow focus.
Joel Durand
