PRV report speculative, not supported by science

PRV REPORT SPECULATIVE, NOT SUPPORTED BY SCIENCE OR REALITY ON THE FARM

CAMPBELL RIVER B.C. - The report out today into the effects of PRV on wild salmon led by Dr. Kristina Miller is problematic, and should be looked at with a critical eye in the context of the extensive science done on this topic.

“The conclusions drawn in this report are speculative at best and run counter to the findings of extensive research done by numerous other scientists at DFO and around the world, as well as what we see on the farm every day,” said Vincent Erenst, Chair of the BC Salmon Farmers Association. “The report presumes the presence of a virus equates to disease, when in fact the virus is common but the fish on our farms are not sick. Much like humans, it’s normal that fish are naturally exposed to numerous viruses every day without adverse affect.

“The science being conducted in Canada and internationally on the health of farmed and wild fish populations is incredibly important,” he added. “We have a long history of drawing upon good science to keep getting better at farming responsibly, with protecting wild fish and the environment at the forefront. We are committed to continuing to evolve into the future.”

While all farming, on land or water, has some environmental impact, it is necessary to feed people and this can be done responsibly. That is the driving passion of B.C. salmon farmers, who have invested many millions of dollars to address the very issues raised by activists.

More than half the fish humans consume globally today are farmed, and the UN projects that will increase to two-thirds by 2030. Wild stocks are not large enough to meet growing demand so if humans want to eat fish it must be farmed – responsibly.

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 56 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 of salmon raised in B.C. gets to domestic and global markets.

For more information visit BCSalmonFarmers.ca

Media contact:

Shawn Hall
shawn@apogeepr.ca
604-619-7913