Letter to the Editor, Courier-Islander Published: Wednesday, March 03, 2010
In response to Mr. Len Sumner's letter to the editor (Wild Pacific Salmon or Employment Feb 19/10), I would like to speak on behalf of the pro-aquaculture side of OUR family. I would also like to add that I sleep quite well at night knowing I have secure and stable employment in an environmentally sustainable business. I am going on my 10th year as a salmon farmer and have experienced first hand the procedures and precautions taken with regards to company operation.
Aquaculture in BC is a business that is highly regulated, closely monitored, and frequently audited on a monthly and yearly basis. We, as employees, understand the importance of this reporting and monitoring program and are proud to meet and exceed these expectations.
I proudly come from a large commercial fishing family and have been witness to the declis directly affecting or jeopardizing the wild salmon stocks, my conscience would not allow me to continue such employment.
However; this is not the case and I take great pride in my chosen career path.
I am saddened by Mr. Sumner's resistance to obtain knowledge or to better educate himself in all areas of this topic that greatly concerns him. Again, as Mr. Nichols has suggested (Sleeping is Easy When You're Proud of Your Work and It's Quality Product - Feb 26/10), I too invite you to partake in a tour of our sites to become more informed about aquaculture in BC.
Jeanine Sumner,
Marine Harvest Canada
