BCSFA welcomes review of coastal protections

BCSFA WELCOMES REVIEW TO IMPROVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS FOR COASTAL AREAS

CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C. – The BC Salmon Farmers Association welcomes the review of science and best practices with respect to fish processing and Integrated Pest Management Regulation in British Columbia.

“Our members operate five of the 35 fish processing plants authorized for wastewater discharge in B.C., and we agree with government that permitting should be based on the best available science and best practices in other jurisdictions,” said BCSFA Executive Director Jeremy Dunn.

The BCSFA formed a technical committee last month to review current practices in facilities processing farm-raised salmon and best practices in other parts of the world, and findings will be shared with government. All BCSFA member facilities are operating under wastewater discharge permits issued by the B.C. Ministry of Environment.

The BCSFA will also actively participate in the review of the Integrated Pest Management Regulation, with respect to the regulation of sea lice treatments. Our members believe it is important to learn from practices from other regions.

“All aspects of salmon farming, including the use of sea lice management products, are guided by the best available science in a precautionary way to minimize negative effects on the environment,” added Dunn. “Fish health plans are also guided by standards set out in third-party certification programs that request organic and non-medicinal sea lice mitigation.”

About the BC Salmon Farmers Association:

Farm-raised salmon is B.C.’s highest valued seafood product, the province’s top agricultural export, and generates over $1.5-billion towards the B.C. economy, resulting in over 6,600 jobs.

The BC Salmon Farmers Association represents 52 businesses and organizations throughout the value chain of finfish aquaculture in B.C. Our members account for over 95% of the annual provincial harvest of farm-raised salmon, 100% of the salmon feed produced in B.C., and most of the service and suppliers involved in ensuring that over $700-million (2016 value) of salmon raised in B.C. gets to domestic and global markets.

For more information visit BCSalmonFarmers.ca

Media contact:

Jeremy Dunn
Jeremy@bcsalmonfarmers.ca
604-202-2147