Marine Harvest, Mainstream operations weather the storms
Courier-Islander, Thursday, March 15, 2012
Despite some of the most severe weather to ever hit Vancouver Island both Marine Harvest Canada (MHC) and Mainstream Canada said there was no major damage to their salmon farming operations or injuries to staff.
Meanwhile Agrimarine Holdings floating solid-wall containment demonstration fish farm at Middle Bay sustained damage that "may have allowed some storm related losses." It is not known how many fish, Chinook, may have escaped but the company reported no damage to the health of its remaining stock.
On March 12 and 14, sustained winds of 70-100 kilometres per hour (gusting up to 137 kms/hr) wreaked havoc on the Island; uprooting massive trees, knocking out power and cancelling air and boat travel. About 35,000 homes were without power on Vancouver Island - some for over three days.
"This was one of the strongest storms I can remember," said Matt Clarke, MHC's Marine Engineering Manager, "but our marine-based operations fared well against massive waves and high winds. Some minor equipment damage occurred as could be expected, but nothing that would be deemed critical or life threatening."
An incident of serious concern did occur at one of Marine Harvest's land-based aquaculture facilities 55 kms north of Campbell River. Falling trees dropped power lines perilously close to propane storage tanks, and very close to three family homes that are on the property.
"Back-up generators at our land-based operations have been running successfully for several days now to provide water flow and oxygen to the fish," said Philip Redmond, MHC's Freshwater Operations Manager.
James Rogers, Health and Safety Manager, said no incidents of injury to any employees requiring medical attention have been reported.
Marine Harvest Canada is British Columbia's largest salmon aquaculture company with a staff of 500. It's processing plants, marine and land based operations are located on and around Vancouver Island and Klemtu.
Mainstream Canada reported there were no injuries, no fish escapes and no major damage done to any of the company's ocean farm sites.
"Thanks to the skill of our employees, and our best management practices, our farm sites weathered the storm without incident," said Laurie Jensen, Mainstream Canada's Communications and Corporate Sustainability Manager.
Mainstream Canada grows salmon in 27 sea sites near Tofino, Campbell River and Port McNeill.
