- Canadian fish farmers, represented by CAIA, urge federal and provincial ministers to reject calls for shutting down salmon farms, citing risks to thousands of jobs and improvements in aquaculture practices supported by science.
- CAIA criticizes the decision to phase out open net pen salmon farming in British Columbia by 2029, despite government advice, advocating for decisions based on objective science rather than activist pressure.
- The alliance proposes separating regulatory and development roles within the DFO and calls for a national strategy to support aquaculture, emphasizing the need for public education to enhance awareness of seafood’s importance in Canada’s food sector.
Canadian Fish Farmers Call on Ministers to Resist ‘Extreme Voices’
Canada’s fish farming sector appeals to federal and provincial ministers to reject calls to shut down salmon farms, risking thousands of jobs.
In a letter, the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) highlights significant improvements in aquaculture practices supported by peer-reviewed science, urging leaders to envision Canada as a global leader in farm-raised seafood.
The decision to phase out open net pen salmon farming in British Columbia by June 2029, despite advice from government fisheries scientists, aligns with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 2019 pledge but contradicts established scientific processes.
The CAIA criticizes this shift, urging decisions based on objective science rather than activist demands that ignore practical implications for coastal jobs and indigenous agreements.
The alliance calls for separating regulatory and development roles within the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), proposing that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada handle development.
CAIA urges a unified national strategy to support aquaculture and proposes a long-term public education initiative to highlight seafood’s role in Canada’s food sector.
The CAIA calls on ministers to champion aquaculture’s potential and commit to public outreach to enhance understanding and support for Canada’s seafood industry, fish farming expert reveals.
