Salmon farming follows strict standards
Ian Roberts, Whistler Question, January 7, 2012
When most people are spending this holiday season with family and friends, letter writer Geoff Swan decides it’s a good time to attack B.C.’s salmon farming community (“Salmon stocks vital to B.C.,” Dec. 20).
He is certainly entitled to his opinion — he doesn’t like salmon farming. He makes that very clear.
But it is important for an opinion to be based on facts and judging by the misinformation repeated by Mr. Swan, I would confidently say his facts are lacking.
Contrary to what Mr. Swan states, B.C. farm-raised salmon do not receive growth hormones. They are not “riddled” with medicines, not “overfed” and pesticides are not used.
Although Mr. Swan is very concerned about “salmon fecal matter” on the ocean floor, he may be interested to learn that each farm (there are about 70 operating salmon farms in B.C.) must pass strict regulations that ensure the ocean bottom is minimally affected by fish poo. If the farm fails to comply, it is shut down.
These facts are made easily available on several websites including SalmonFarmers.org and BCSalmonFacts.ca. I suggest he take a look before writing another letter.
Fortunately, we can agree on the title of his letter (ironically not written by him). Salmon are vital to B.C., and is the reason why I began a career in salmon aquaculture 20 years ago — to produce a healthy food for a growing population and at the same time help alleviate fishing pressure off our wild salmon.
Ian Roberts
Salmon Farmer, Marine Harvest
Campbell River
