Salmon farm consistency proves industry not to blame for wild salmon fluctuations
Courier-Islander, October 01, 2010
Re: "Trying to figure out the problem," Sept. 29, 2010
The high returns of some wild salmon runs and the low numbers of others is certainly a complicated question - one that is receiving significant attention given the record run of Fraser River Sockeye this year following 2009's disappointing return.
It's important to remember though, that those highs and lows in wild stock returns which are so close to mind for the public, have occurred as salmon farms remain consistent in their operations. Just last week, the provincial government released their 2009 fish health report, showing yet another year of good health for BC farm-raised salmon - a report that echoes audit and sampling results from 2008, 2007, 2006 and beyond.
The Wilderness Tourism Association says that to prove salmon farms are not responsible for wild salmon declines, they need to be removed. But the fact that wild salmon populations succeed in masses and fail poorly as salmon farms remain the same seems to be proof already. Our consistency during the wild salmon's inconsistency already shows that the two are not connected.
We agree that the challenges faced by wild salmon need our close attention. That's why the BC Salmon Farmers Association is participating in the Cohen Commission, looking at the Fraser Sockeye's case. After this year's massive sockeye return, and last year's record pink return, it is clear there are larger issues that need to be addressed.
Trying to hammer away at a handful of farms only dilutes and diminishes a complicated discussion.
Mary Ellen Walling,
Executive Director
