Howdy.
Kisin...
Thanks for posting that news clip. It underscores the reason why I (and MANY others) are so concerned about, and vehemently opposed to - fish-farming: our governments postion on, and their unbridled support of this filthy, ecologically destructive industry.
In 2002, while doing research for a - fish farming - article I wrote for BC Outdoors Magazine, our government was proposing to lift the moratorium on expansion of the industry. Virtually everyone cried "foul" - First Nations/Sportfishermen/Commercial fisherman/the scientific community - yet the 'ban' was lifted and the industry (then, 95% owned/controlled by Norway/Holland) was allowed to grow.
They (DFO and the industry) said it would be good for us.
They said:
- 'the fish won't escape' ... they escaped en'mass.
- 'the escaped (Atlantics) won't survive' ... they survived!
- 'they can't reproduce in the wild' ... they reproduced!
- 'fish-farming will create thousands and thousands of jobs in BC'...
(In 2002, my research concluded that each of the then 110 or so active farms on our coast - created 8 to 10 full-time jobs directly or indirectly subsequent to its operation.)
You do the math.
In 2002 - BC had over 100/active farms on our Coast; Puget Sound had about 8, and the trend was then leaning to phasing them out. Yet, 85% of BC-produced farm/fish are destined south of the boarder to feed our American neighbours.</u>
From the outset of my involvement in scrutinising this business of growing fish to feed 'America' - even if I set aside all the sound scientific evidence/reasoning in support of abolishing fish-farming (in its current state) - there has remained, hanging over my head like an ominous black cloud, one searing question that today remains unanswered; Why is my Government in bed with this industry?</u>
They know damn-well:
- that our own mighty rivers like the Skeena, the Fraser and countless others can grow enough 'WILD' fish - naturally - to feed millions upon millions of people, bears, eagles, and countless other critters who've depended on the return of the salmon every year since time began.
- that the direct economic-benefit to our Province of a 'Sport-caught' salmon is two or three times higher</u> than a 'farmed-fish'.
- that each one these fish-farms is puking the daily/equivalent amount of 'raw-sewage' into our pristine coastal waters as does the city of Victoria into the Juan de Fuca.
***
It's easy for the industry and proponent's of the industry to label people like me as 'radical' or 'just another tree-hugging environmentalist'. I am neither. I'm just a guy who began researching a subject for a paper I wrote in a 1st.-year English class. The more I learned, the more appalled I became. I am also (first and foremost) a sport-fisherman and I want to do what I can to ensure that there are plenty of 'WILD' fish around for my kids and my Grandchildren.
I wish I knew about this forum during the time I was involved in investigating this horrible business; it would have been an excellent conduit to share information with my fellow 'Sporties'. There were times when I felt terribly 'alone' and could have used more support.
Sincerely,
Terry Anderson