Salmon farmers are passionate about protecting environment
Vancouver Sun, September 5, 2012
Re: Farmed salmon are a threat to B.C. wild salmon, Letters, Aug. 31
When salmon farmers in British Columbia say they produce a safe, healthy product in a sustainable way, they're stating facts supported by years of research.
Elizabeth Fendley's letter unfortunately is an example of people repeating misinformation about our farmers and the excellent salmon they raise.
No growth hormones are used in the salmon farming and farm-raised salmon are among the best converters of feed in the world (about 1.2 kg of feed is used for 1 kg of salmon - far less than the nearly three kg stated in Fendley's letter).
Farm-raised salmon host no pathogens that are not already found in wild fish and there has been no colonization of our fish in B.C. rivers. These are just a few of the errors in her letter.
On top of the good work they're doing on the farms, our members are working hard to educate people about aquaculture, and correct misinformed statements like those published in The Sun this week. Among the many sources, are bcsalmonfacts.ca Salmon farmers are residents of coastal B.C. who share the passion for protecting our natural environment.
We are proud of what's been accomplished by working with scientists, First Nations, environmental groups and local communities - and we're excited about what's to come.
Mary Ellen Walling, BC Salmon Farmers Association
