Salmon farmers show commitment to best practices with important new agreement
BCSFA, Wednesday, March 7, 2012
CAMPBELL RIVER – Marine Harvest Canada, Mainstream Canada and Grieg Seafood are proud to announce a new agreement which demonstrates a clear commitment to lead the way in responsible farming practices.
“We all agree that setting a high standard for our farms is important and that in areas where we operate together, we need to work co-operatively and openly to establish that standard,” said Fernando Villarroel, Managing Director, Mainstream Canada.
The agreement establishes an area management program for Okisollo Channel near Campbell River, BC, and is the only area of the coast where all three companies operate farms.
“Sharing information with one another, and making plans like these together is good for farms involved and for the environment where we operate,” said Vincent Erenst, Managing Director, Marine Harvest Canada.
“This agreement requires that we co-operate on a regular basis, and will further enhance our farming practices, which are already among the best in the world,” said Stewart Hawthorn, Managing Director, Grieg Seafood.
The companies already work together informally on many aspects of farm management in the area, but decided to confirm this co-operation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding for a five-year joint management plan for their Okisollo Channel farms.
There are a total of five farms in the channel. The MOU includes agreements about when sites are stocked and fallowed, as well as about sharing information and partnered research.
“This is a great example of the proactive work our farmers and companies do regularly to make sure they are taking excellent care of the ocean environment where they raise their fish,” said Mary Ellen Walling, Executive Director, BC Salmon Farmers Association.
Since January 2011, these companies have released monthly updates about farms in Okisollo and Hoskyn channels through the BCSFA. All of the Association’s salmon-producing companies regularly work together to discuss ongoing operations and practices.
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