After extensive consultations with First Nations, industry and others, and after closely considering the submissions received, February 17, Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard announced her decision not to renew licences for fifteen open-net pen Atlantic salmon aquaculture sites in the Discovery Islands.
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As noted by the Cohen Commission, the Discovery Islands area is a key migratory route for wild Pacific Salmon, where narrow passages bring migrating juvenile salmon into close contact with salmon farms.
Recent science indicates that there is uncertainty with respect to the risks posed by Atlantic salmon aquaculture farms to wild Pacific salmon in the Discovery Islands area, as well as to the cumulative effect of any farm-related impacts on this iconic species.
There are multiple stressors on wild salmon, including: climate change; habitat degradation and destruction; regulated fishing as well as illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Given the state of wild Pacific salmon, the Government of Canada is taking a highly precautionary approach to manage Atlantic salmon aquaculture in the Discovery Islands area.
“The state of wild Pacific salmon is dire, and we must do what we can to ensure their survival. This was a difficult but necessary decision. By taking an enhanced precautionary approach in the Discovery Islands area, the Government of Canada will help ensure the well-being of wild Pacific salmon for our children and grandchildren," the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard said.
Wild Pacific salmon stocks have been declining significantly.
With respect to Sockeye salmon stocks in the Fraser River drainage basin, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) has assessed 31 designable units and many are in a state that the Minister considers deeply problematic.
More specifically, 11 are endangered, 2 threatened, and 7 special concern. Other salmon stocks continue to decline. ■