Wake up call...again!!!!!!!!
- Thread starter highlights
- Start date
IronNoggin
Well-Known Member
Charlie
Well-Known Member
Hiroshi - all fish farms - are "not" equal!
The Norwegian companies have more or less given up operating "Atlantic salmon farms" here in the U.S. due to regulatory issues and lack of profits. Marine Harvest (Pan) sold their Washington operations in 2005, which is now owned and operated by “Icicle”. The sell was driven by “less regulations” and “more profitability potential” seen in Canada. I don’t know for fact, but believe they sold their Maine operations to “Cook” the later of 2008 or beginning of 2009?
To my knowledge the only two farmed “Atlantic” salmon producers remaining in the United States is “Cook” and “Icicle”, with both adapting practices that are more eco friendly to the “wild” salmon. Also, “I believe” while both ISA and sea lice control are issues and concerns for both… their approach is handled much differently than the Norwegian companies (who are only interested in “profits”) – these two remaining companies, seem truly interested in sustainability! Based on what I believe - I am okay with both of "their" operations!
With that said, I firmly believe... WE NEED TO GET THE NORWEGIAN COMPANIES TO EITHER COMPLY WITH BOTH OF "OUR LAWS", OR "GET OUT" AND "STAY OUT" OF "BOTH" COUNTRIES!
http://www.sourceseafood.com/index.asp?ItemID=4026&pcid=178&cid=180&archive=yes
More US national news on fish farms http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#35697305
hiroshi
Member
Like the post above, take a look at www.callingfromthecoast. and look at past films about Salmon Farming and Lice problem. This site has some pretty good information. Even thought this organization in salmon hatchery, if provides people like us with important information. I donate has much as I can so recreational fishermen like us are informed about our proud NW Salmon.
GLG
Well-Known Member
This is what I got back from my MP
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
FACTS ABOUT SEA LICE
Issue
There continues to be surges of (mis)information circulated about sea lice and its impact on aquaculture and wild salmon stocks in British Columbia. In an effort to encourage public understanding, DFO has developed the following Questions & Answers.
General Information
Q What are sea lice?
A Sea lice are very small, salt-water crustaceans with soft bodies, which are ordinarily enclosed within a hard, protective outer shell. They attach themselves to a host fish’s skin, fins, or gills, where they stay and feed on the mucous layer secreted by a fish's skin.
Two species of sea lice have been observed in British Columbia’s Broughton Archipelago since monitoring began in the area in 2001. Lepeophtheirus salmonis is commonly found on wild and farmed salmon and has been reported throughout the Pacific in areas including the high seas and coastal areas of Russia, Alaska and Canada. Caligus clemensi is found on several species of fish and occasionally on farmed salmon.
Q What treatments are available for sea lice?
A SLICE® (Emamectin Benzoate) is currently authorized for use under Health Canada’s Emergency Drug Release Program and requires a prescription from a veterinarian. It is administered via fish feed for the treatment of developing, immature and adult stages of sea lice in farmed salmon, and effectively eliminates them from the fish. It is not a pesticide, which is typically added to the water for treatment of external parasites. As of January 1, 2010, SLICE® will be commercially available based on approvals by Health Canada.
Q Is it safe to eat salmon treated with SLICE®?
A Yes, it is safe to eat salmon that has been treated with SLICE®. Health Canada has set stringent conditions regarding the use of SLICE®, in order to safeguard the safety and quality of products entering the food chain.
Q Are sea lice only found on farmed salmon?
A No, sea lice can also be found on wild salmon and many other species of wild fish.
Sea lice are very common on all Pacific salmon adults during their return migration to freshwater lakes and streams in which they were born. Commercial fishermen, recreational fishers, and First Nations people are all accustomed to seeing sea lice on wild adult Pacific salmon returning from sea to spawn.
Q Will eating salmon infected with sea lice make me sick?
A No, there is no risk to human health. Sea lice live on the outside of the fish and feed on the slippery mucus on the skin of the fish. They would not affect human health if eaten, and usually the lice fall off or are cleaned off during harvesting or processing activities before the fish even reaches the consumer.
Science
Q Are fish farms in the Broughton Archipelago causing a dramatic increase in sea lice levels?
A No. Since 1953, there have been significant fluctuations in the number of pink salmon returns. This was long before salmon farms were introduced to the area in 1987.
Ongoing research conducted by DFO is showing that the levels of sea lice found on wild Pacific salmon in the archipelago have declined consistently each year since 2004.
It is also important to note that there are two sources of sea lice in the Broughton Archipelago, from natural sources (e.g.: the marine environment), and potentially from salmon farms. Sea lice existed on wild salmon for tens of thousands of years before the first salmon farm was established in Canada and wild salmon have adapted to them.
Sea lice levels are carefully controlled on BC salmon farms, thereby reducing the risk of infecting fish living outside the farm to a negligible amount.
The Province of British Columbia (BC) has a comprehensive health management program for salmon aquaculture, which uses a precautionary approach. BC’s Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BC MAL) regularly release Compliance and Enforcement and Fish Health Reports. These reports consistently indicate that BC’s aquaculture industry is upholding a high level of environmental standards and is serious about co-existing with wild salmon stocks. The 2007 Fish Health Report identified no new disease findings that had not already been reported in wild, hatchery-reared or research salmonids in BC.
The reports are available on the BC MAL’s website at: http://www.al.gov.bc.ca/ahc/fish_health/ and http://www.al.gov.bc.ca/fisheries/aqua_report
Q What is the health of pink salmon populations in the Broughton Archipelago?
DFO has been monitoring pink salmon in the Broughton Archipelago since 1953. Pink salmon populations in this region are highly variable and cyclical in nature. Recent DFO studies (Brooks and Jones, 2008 and Riddell et al., 2008) indicate there are years where pink salmon abundance are extremely low followed by a gradual increase to – as in recent years – an extremely high abundance. This variability is an aspect of pink salmon population dynamics and is well-documented to have occurred prior to the establishment of the salmon aquaculture industry on the BC coast.
Pink salmon returns are very strong coast-wide in 2009. Some rivers on Vancouver Island are seeing record returns, including the Quinsam and Glendale Rivers in the Broughton Archipelago which are seeing very high abundance. In fact, directed commercial fisheries for pink salmon were opened to seine and gill net fish harvesters in this area on August 31, 2009. While both of these river systems are located in different geographic areas, they are both close to two of the highest density salmon farming areas on the BC coast.
Pink salmon have a two-year life cycle and went to sea as fry in 2008 when ocean conditions were thought to be generally favourable for salmon.
In terms of coast-wide pink populations, Fraser River pinks are tracking above the 12.4 million forecast level and are likely to reach abundance levels of 17.5 million or greater. Previous maximum returns for Fraser River pink salmon was 26 million, with an average return of 11.6 million (1959-2007). In the North Coast, fisheries near Kitimat saw a record catch of 6.55 million pinks this year.
Q What does DFO research suggest in the debate on the potential impact of sea lice from salmon farms on wild salmon stocks?
A Since 2003, DFO and others (e.g.: the Pacific Salmon Forum), have conducted extensive field and laboratory research into the potential origins of sea lice and their relationship to the health of wild salmon populations in the Broughton Archipelago.
DFO research has not been able to demonstrate a link between the levels of sea lice that may be present on the farms and the number of wild adult pink salmon returning to the Broughton Archipelago. Large fluctuations in abundance are typical among pink salmon populations and there are many potential sources of at-sea mortality. Monitoring results from DFO’s Pink Salmon Action Plan can be found at this link. Additional information related to DFO’s scientific findings to support Sustainable Aquaculture Research in BC can be found at this link. DFO prepared a report on scientific research related to the environmental interactions between finfish aquaculture and aquatic ecosystems for the Special Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture of the British Columbia Legislature in December 2006. The full report and a Power Point presentation can be found at this link.
In January 2009, the Pacific Salmon Forum presented its final report and recommendations to the Government of British Columbia following four years of extensive, collaborative scientific research. The report was released publicly on February 5, 2009 and can be accessed at this link. DFO scientists collaborated with the Pacific Salmon Forum on its research and contributed to its work.
Q Is it true that DFO research supports claims that sea lice from salmon farms is broadly infecting and harming wild pink salmon stocks in the Broughton Archipelago?
A No, this is not true. In fact, DFO scientists at the Pacific Biological Station have conducted laboratory research on the impact of sea lice on juvenile pink salmon from the Quinsam and Glendale rivers. Juvenile pink salmon were studied in three size categories (0.3 gm, 0.7 gm and 2.4 gm) and exposed to high, medium and low intensities of sea lice to study rates of infection and its effect.
This 2008 study by DFO scientists indicated that, in a controlled laboratory setting, deliberate exposure to high concentrations of sea lice can contribute to some mortality of very small juvenile wild pink salmon, that is, lighter than 0.3 grams. No mortality was observed in larger fish exposed to sea lice in this study (0.7 or 2.4 grams). Pink salmon in the wild are approximately 0.3 gm when they initially enter the marine environment, as demonstrated by sampling in the BA since 2003. The larger size categories of juvenile pink salmon are consistent with past research conducted in this DFO laboratory. This laboratory study is the first time that a DFO has found a direct link between sea lice infection and juvenile salmon mortality.
Laboratory observations that sea lice can lead to some mortality on small pink salmon are consistent with many statements from NGOs and other researchers. It is important to note that many other sources of mortality could be involved in the natural environment, predation by other species, ocean climate, and habitat loss. It is also possible that other wild fish species may be a source of sea lice infecting juvenile pink salmon.
DFO is currently examining its extensive information on the distribution of juvenile pink and chum salmon from field studies to determine where they are and their proximity to salmon farms in the BA.
The results of a subsequent DFO study, concerning the application of the lethal threshold to wild juvenile pink salmon in the Broughton Archipelago, have been accepted by Diseases of Aquatic Organisms and will be published in 2009.
Q Is it true that sea lice are killing juvenile sockeye salmon?
A No. Sea lice from salmon farms cannot singularly explain the extremely poor marine survival of Fraser River sockeye. Sockeye returns to the Skeena River in northern British Columbia were also significantly lower than anticipated this year and the migration route of juvenile sockeye from this river system does not take them anywhere near fish farms.
We also know that the majority of sea lice found on juvenile sockeye in the Straight of Georgia where the Fraser River salmon migrate are not the same sea lice species reported on BC salmon farms.
Juvenile sockeye that migrate past salmon farms in the Discovery Islands are significantly larger than pink salmon – 5 to 10 grams in size - when they migrate into the ocean, well beyond the threshold for susceptibility to sea lice.
Q What is being done internationally on the subject of sea lice?
A As in Canada, the governments of other countries such as Ireland, Norway, the United Kingdom and Scotland, are working collaboratively with industry and special interest groups on ways to effectively manage and monitor sea lice in order to minimize the risk of infection for both farmed salmon and wild fish.
Scientists from around the globe are also working collaboratively within a network of international sea lice researchers, to understand possible linkages between sea lice, wild stocks and farmed salmon.
Since 2003, DFO has conducted sea lice studies, contributing to a growing body of scientific knowledge. Canada is recognized internationally as a world-leader on sea lice research, with a research and management approach informed by previous and current levels of international scientific knowledge and on-the-farm practices.
Management
Q What is Canada doing to ensure the sustainability of the salmon fishing industry?
A DFO and British Columbia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BCMAL), are committed to the protection of the marine environment and wild salmon stocks. As the lead federal agency for aquaculture DFO supports specific scientific research, monitor wild salmon stocks, and enforce protective, environmental regulations.
Provincially, BCMAL ensures salmon harvesters conduct regular monthly monitoring and documentation of sea lice levels on their farms, implements fish health management plans as a condition of license, conduct sea lice audits, and evaluates sea lice abundance from salmon farms supporting integrated area management of sea lice populations.
Active discussions and the participation of all stakeholders in developing further risk reduction strategies will only serve to enhance the work currently being done by industry and science to protect the marine environment and wild salmon stocks.
Q What is required of industry to ensure the safe management of sea lice?
A Salmon farming companies in the Broughton Archipelago have developed a joint management plan for spring 2009 that will effectively provide a fallow route for juvenile salmon.
In addition, every salmon farm in B.C. is required to have a fish health management plan in place as a condition of its operating licence. Sea lice monitoring is mandatory in this plan and all producers are required to report their sampling results to the provincial Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (B.C. MAL).
For more information on BC MAL’s ‘Fish Health Management Plan’ please visit:
http://www.al.gov.bc.ca/ahc/fish_health/fish_health_management_plan.htm
Q What actions are being taken to monitor the salmon farming industry?
A DFO works closely with the Province of British Columbia to ensure the salmon farming industry is managed in a responsible way, minimizing impacts on the environment and other marine life. The BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands is responsible for the day-to-day management of salmon aquaculture which includes fish health monitoring.
In 2003, BC MAL implemented a Sea Lice Management Strategy that requires each farm to submit a sea lice response plan that includes monitoring and reporting sea lice levels. They have set precautionary levels for sea lice on farms (average of three adult lice per fish).
The BC salmon farming industry have been operating in a responsible manner to minimize the effects of sea lice on the aquaculture environment. They have been compliant with precautionary levels and treat the fish to minimize the risk of infecting fish living outside the farm. Licensed aquatic veterinarians are consulted to administer environmentally sound treatments. In fact the industry has been voluntarily pre-treating fish to minimize the risk of infection.
Q Are sea lice from salmon farms in the Broughton Archipelago responsible for poor returns of wild sockeye stocks in BC this year?
A No. Wild sockeye salmon population declines have occurred all along the B.C. coast in 2008 and 2009. Sea lice from salmon farms cannot singularly explain the extremely poor marine survival of Fraser River sockeye. Declines are more likely related to broad geographic scale conditions in the ocean and are not limited to the Broughton region. Sockeye returns to the Skeena River in northern British Columbia were also significantly lower than anticipated this year and the migration route of juvenile sockeye from this river system does not take them anywhere near fish farms.
DFO also knows that the majority of sea lice found on juvenile sockeye in the Straight of Georgia where the Fraser River salmon migrate are not the same sea lice species reported on BC salmon farms.
Juvenile sockeye that do migrate past salmon farms in the Discovery Islands are significantly larger than pink salmon – 5 to 10 grams in size - when they migrate into the ocean, well beyond the threshold for susceptibility to sea lice.
Q What is DFO doing to monitor sea lice?
A DFO research has demonstrated the presence of different species of sea lice in the Strait of Georgia. There is some uncertainty about the interaction of different species of salmon with different species of sea lice: some species of sea lice are associated with wild salmon populations, while others are associated with farmed fish. DFO acknowledges that more research is necessary to understand these differences and interactions.
DFO has undertaken significant scientific research on sea lice levels in the BA, the impacts of sea lice on juvenile salmon, and the adult returns of pink and chum salmon for the past several years. Through its monitoring programs, DFO has increased its efforts in recent years in determining the incidence and severity of sea lice infection rates of juvenile salmon in the Broughton Archipelago area.
DFO’s research shows that sea lice in the Broughton Archipelago are being controlled, that sea lice are not decimating juvenile pink and chum salmon, and that the returns of adult pink and chum salmon are not showing marked declines. In fact, recent returns continue to increase from the poor returns acknowledged in 2002 and 2003.
Q With the assortment of opinions on sea lice, what should the public believe?
A There are different and dissenting opinions on the status of sea lice in the Broughton Archipelago. Many researchers and environmental organizations believe that salmon farms are causing poor returns of adult wild salmon stocks, and that if salmon farms were eliminated, the sea lice problem would be too. This is just not factual. Much research exists that lays to rest the all-encompassing claim that sea lice is putting all wild salmon at risk.
On March 12, 2008, BC scientist, Dr. Brian Harvey, released a report entitled Science and Sea Lice: What Do We Know? This review summarized 87 peer reviewed scientific papers published between 2004 and 2008, many from BC. In his introduction Dr. Harvey makes several points concerning sea lice research, one in particular was, “At present there is no scientific consensus on whether sea lice from farmed salmon are causing the demise of wild pink and chum populations”.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
FACTS ABOUT SEA LICE
Issue
There continues to be surges of (mis)information circulated about sea lice and its impact on aquaculture and wild salmon stocks in British Columbia. In an effort to encourage public understanding, DFO has developed the following Questions & Answers.
General Information
Q What are sea lice?
A Sea lice are very small, salt-water crustaceans with soft bodies, which are ordinarily enclosed within a hard, protective outer shell. They attach themselves to a host fish’s skin, fins, or gills, where they stay and feed on the mucous layer secreted by a fish's skin.
Two species of sea lice have been observed in British Columbia’s Broughton Archipelago since monitoring began in the area in 2001. Lepeophtheirus salmonis is commonly found on wild and farmed salmon and has been reported throughout the Pacific in areas including the high seas and coastal areas of Russia, Alaska and Canada. Caligus clemensi is found on several species of fish and occasionally on farmed salmon.
Q What treatments are available for sea lice?
A SLICE® (Emamectin Benzoate) is currently authorized for use under Health Canada’s Emergency Drug Release Program and requires a prescription from a veterinarian. It is administered via fish feed for the treatment of developing, immature and adult stages of sea lice in farmed salmon, and effectively eliminates them from the fish. It is not a pesticide, which is typically added to the water for treatment of external parasites. As of January 1, 2010, SLICE® will be commercially available based on approvals by Health Canada.
Q Is it safe to eat salmon treated with SLICE®?
A Yes, it is safe to eat salmon that has been treated with SLICE®. Health Canada has set stringent conditions regarding the use of SLICE®, in order to safeguard the safety and quality of products entering the food chain.
Q Are sea lice only found on farmed salmon?
A No, sea lice can also be found on wild salmon and many other species of wild fish.
Sea lice are very common on all Pacific salmon adults during their return migration to freshwater lakes and streams in which they were born. Commercial fishermen, recreational fishers, and First Nations people are all accustomed to seeing sea lice on wild adult Pacific salmon returning from sea to spawn.
Q Will eating salmon infected with sea lice make me sick?
A No, there is no risk to human health. Sea lice live on the outside of the fish and feed on the slippery mucus on the skin of the fish. They would not affect human health if eaten, and usually the lice fall off or are cleaned off during harvesting or processing activities before the fish even reaches the consumer.
Science
Q Are fish farms in the Broughton Archipelago causing a dramatic increase in sea lice levels?
A No. Since 1953, there have been significant fluctuations in the number of pink salmon returns. This was long before salmon farms were introduced to the area in 1987.
Ongoing research conducted by DFO is showing that the levels of sea lice found on wild Pacific salmon in the archipelago have declined consistently each year since 2004.
It is also important to note that there are two sources of sea lice in the Broughton Archipelago, from natural sources (e.g.: the marine environment), and potentially from salmon farms. Sea lice existed on wild salmon for tens of thousands of years before the first salmon farm was established in Canada and wild salmon have adapted to them.
Sea lice levels are carefully controlled on BC salmon farms, thereby reducing the risk of infecting fish living outside the farm to a negligible amount.
The Province of British Columbia (BC) has a comprehensive health management program for salmon aquaculture, which uses a precautionary approach. BC’s Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BC MAL) regularly release Compliance and Enforcement and Fish Health Reports. These reports consistently indicate that BC’s aquaculture industry is upholding a high level of environmental standards and is serious about co-existing with wild salmon stocks. The 2007 Fish Health Report identified no new disease findings that had not already been reported in wild, hatchery-reared or research salmonids in BC.
The reports are available on the BC MAL’s website at: http://www.al.gov.bc.ca/ahc/fish_health/ and http://www.al.gov.bc.ca/fisheries/aqua_report
Q What is the health of pink salmon populations in the Broughton Archipelago?
DFO has been monitoring pink salmon in the Broughton Archipelago since 1953. Pink salmon populations in this region are highly variable and cyclical in nature. Recent DFO studies (Brooks and Jones, 2008 and Riddell et al., 2008) indicate there are years where pink salmon abundance are extremely low followed by a gradual increase to – as in recent years – an extremely high abundance. This variability is an aspect of pink salmon population dynamics and is well-documented to have occurred prior to the establishment of the salmon aquaculture industry on the BC coast.
Pink salmon returns are very strong coast-wide in 2009. Some rivers on Vancouver Island are seeing record returns, including the Quinsam and Glendale Rivers in the Broughton Archipelago which are seeing very high abundance. In fact, directed commercial fisheries for pink salmon were opened to seine and gill net fish harvesters in this area on August 31, 2009. While both of these river systems are located in different geographic areas, they are both close to two of the highest density salmon farming areas on the BC coast.
Pink salmon have a two-year life cycle and went to sea as fry in 2008 when ocean conditions were thought to be generally favourable for salmon.
In terms of coast-wide pink populations, Fraser River pinks are tracking above the 12.4 million forecast level and are likely to reach abundance levels of 17.5 million or greater. Previous maximum returns for Fraser River pink salmon was 26 million, with an average return of 11.6 million (1959-2007). In the North Coast, fisheries near Kitimat saw a record catch of 6.55 million pinks this year.
Q What does DFO research suggest in the debate on the potential impact of sea lice from salmon farms on wild salmon stocks?
A Since 2003, DFO and others (e.g.: the Pacific Salmon Forum), have conducted extensive field and laboratory research into the potential origins of sea lice and their relationship to the health of wild salmon populations in the Broughton Archipelago.
DFO research has not been able to demonstrate a link between the levels of sea lice that may be present on the farms and the number of wild adult pink salmon returning to the Broughton Archipelago. Large fluctuations in abundance are typical among pink salmon populations and there are many potential sources of at-sea mortality. Monitoring results from DFO’s Pink Salmon Action Plan can be found at this link. Additional information related to DFO’s scientific findings to support Sustainable Aquaculture Research in BC can be found at this link. DFO prepared a report on scientific research related to the environmental interactions between finfish aquaculture and aquatic ecosystems for the Special Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture of the British Columbia Legislature in December 2006. The full report and a Power Point presentation can be found at this link.
In January 2009, the Pacific Salmon Forum presented its final report and recommendations to the Government of British Columbia following four years of extensive, collaborative scientific research. The report was released publicly on February 5, 2009 and can be accessed at this link. DFO scientists collaborated with the Pacific Salmon Forum on its research and contributed to its work.
Q Is it true that DFO research supports claims that sea lice from salmon farms is broadly infecting and harming wild pink salmon stocks in the Broughton Archipelago?
A No, this is not true. In fact, DFO scientists at the Pacific Biological Station have conducted laboratory research on the impact of sea lice on juvenile pink salmon from the Quinsam and Glendale rivers. Juvenile pink salmon were studied in three size categories (0.3 gm, 0.7 gm and 2.4 gm) and exposed to high, medium and low intensities of sea lice to study rates of infection and its effect.
This 2008 study by DFO scientists indicated that, in a controlled laboratory setting, deliberate exposure to high concentrations of sea lice can contribute to some mortality of very small juvenile wild pink salmon, that is, lighter than 0.3 grams. No mortality was observed in larger fish exposed to sea lice in this study (0.7 or 2.4 grams). Pink salmon in the wild are approximately 0.3 gm when they initially enter the marine environment, as demonstrated by sampling in the BA since 2003. The larger size categories of juvenile pink salmon are consistent with past research conducted in this DFO laboratory. This laboratory study is the first time that a DFO has found a direct link between sea lice infection and juvenile salmon mortality.
Laboratory observations that sea lice can lead to some mortality on small pink salmon are consistent with many statements from NGOs and other researchers. It is important to note that many other sources of mortality could be involved in the natural environment, predation by other species, ocean climate, and habitat loss. It is also possible that other wild fish species may be a source of sea lice infecting juvenile pink salmon.
DFO is currently examining its extensive information on the distribution of juvenile pink and chum salmon from field studies to determine where they are and their proximity to salmon farms in the BA.
The results of a subsequent DFO study, concerning the application of the lethal threshold to wild juvenile pink salmon in the Broughton Archipelago, have been accepted by Diseases of Aquatic Organisms and will be published in 2009.
Q Is it true that sea lice are killing juvenile sockeye salmon?
A No. Sea lice from salmon farms cannot singularly explain the extremely poor marine survival of Fraser River sockeye. Sockeye returns to the Skeena River in northern British Columbia were also significantly lower than anticipated this year and the migration route of juvenile sockeye from this river system does not take them anywhere near fish farms.
We also know that the majority of sea lice found on juvenile sockeye in the Straight of Georgia where the Fraser River salmon migrate are not the same sea lice species reported on BC salmon farms.
Juvenile sockeye that migrate past salmon farms in the Discovery Islands are significantly larger than pink salmon – 5 to 10 grams in size - when they migrate into the ocean, well beyond the threshold for susceptibility to sea lice.
Q What is being done internationally on the subject of sea lice?
A As in Canada, the governments of other countries such as Ireland, Norway, the United Kingdom and Scotland, are working collaboratively with industry and special interest groups on ways to effectively manage and monitor sea lice in order to minimize the risk of infection for both farmed salmon and wild fish.
Scientists from around the globe are also working collaboratively within a network of international sea lice researchers, to understand possible linkages between sea lice, wild stocks and farmed salmon.
Since 2003, DFO has conducted sea lice studies, contributing to a growing body of scientific knowledge. Canada is recognized internationally as a world-leader on sea lice research, with a research and management approach informed by previous and current levels of international scientific knowledge and on-the-farm practices.
Management
Q What is Canada doing to ensure the sustainability of the salmon fishing industry?
A DFO and British Columbia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BCMAL), are committed to the protection of the marine environment and wild salmon stocks. As the lead federal agency for aquaculture DFO supports specific scientific research, monitor wild salmon stocks, and enforce protective, environmental regulations.
Provincially, BCMAL ensures salmon harvesters conduct regular monthly monitoring and documentation of sea lice levels on their farms, implements fish health management plans as a condition of license, conduct sea lice audits, and evaluates sea lice abundance from salmon farms supporting integrated area management of sea lice populations.
Active discussions and the participation of all stakeholders in developing further risk reduction strategies will only serve to enhance the work currently being done by industry and science to protect the marine environment and wild salmon stocks.
Q What is required of industry to ensure the safe management of sea lice?
A Salmon farming companies in the Broughton Archipelago have developed a joint management plan for spring 2009 that will effectively provide a fallow route for juvenile salmon.
In addition, every salmon farm in B.C. is required to have a fish health management plan in place as a condition of its operating licence. Sea lice monitoring is mandatory in this plan and all producers are required to report their sampling results to the provincial Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (B.C. MAL).
For more information on BC MAL’s ‘Fish Health Management Plan’ please visit:
http://www.al.gov.bc.ca/ahc/fish_health/fish_health_management_plan.htm
Q What actions are being taken to monitor the salmon farming industry?
A DFO works closely with the Province of British Columbia to ensure the salmon farming industry is managed in a responsible way, minimizing impacts on the environment and other marine life. The BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands is responsible for the day-to-day management of salmon aquaculture which includes fish health monitoring.
In 2003, BC MAL implemented a Sea Lice Management Strategy that requires each farm to submit a sea lice response plan that includes monitoring and reporting sea lice levels. They have set precautionary levels for sea lice on farms (average of three adult lice per fish).
The BC salmon farming industry have been operating in a responsible manner to minimize the effects of sea lice on the aquaculture environment. They have been compliant with precautionary levels and treat the fish to minimize the risk of infecting fish living outside the farm. Licensed aquatic veterinarians are consulted to administer environmentally sound treatments. In fact the industry has been voluntarily pre-treating fish to minimize the risk of infection.
Q Are sea lice from salmon farms in the Broughton Archipelago responsible for poor returns of wild sockeye stocks in BC this year?
A No. Wild sockeye salmon population declines have occurred all along the B.C. coast in 2008 and 2009. Sea lice from salmon farms cannot singularly explain the extremely poor marine survival of Fraser River sockeye. Declines are more likely related to broad geographic scale conditions in the ocean and are not limited to the Broughton region. Sockeye returns to the Skeena River in northern British Columbia were also significantly lower than anticipated this year and the migration route of juvenile sockeye from this river system does not take them anywhere near fish farms.
DFO also knows that the majority of sea lice found on juvenile sockeye in the Straight of Georgia where the Fraser River salmon migrate are not the same sea lice species reported on BC salmon farms.
Juvenile sockeye that do migrate past salmon farms in the Discovery Islands are significantly larger than pink salmon – 5 to 10 grams in size - when they migrate into the ocean, well beyond the threshold for susceptibility to sea lice.
Q What is DFO doing to monitor sea lice?
A DFO research has demonstrated the presence of different species of sea lice in the Strait of Georgia. There is some uncertainty about the interaction of different species of salmon with different species of sea lice: some species of sea lice are associated with wild salmon populations, while others are associated with farmed fish. DFO acknowledges that more research is necessary to understand these differences and interactions.
DFO has undertaken significant scientific research on sea lice levels in the BA, the impacts of sea lice on juvenile salmon, and the adult returns of pink and chum salmon for the past several years. Through its monitoring programs, DFO has increased its efforts in recent years in determining the incidence and severity of sea lice infection rates of juvenile salmon in the Broughton Archipelago area.
DFO’s research shows that sea lice in the Broughton Archipelago are being controlled, that sea lice are not decimating juvenile pink and chum salmon, and that the returns of adult pink and chum salmon are not showing marked declines. In fact, recent returns continue to increase from the poor returns acknowledged in 2002 and 2003.
Q With the assortment of opinions on sea lice, what should the public believe?
A There are different and dissenting opinions on the status of sea lice in the Broughton Archipelago. Many researchers and environmental organizations believe that salmon farms are causing poor returns of adult wild salmon stocks, and that if salmon farms were eliminated, the sea lice problem would be too. This is just not factual. Much research exists that lays to rest the all-encompassing claim that sea lice is putting all wild salmon at risk.
On March 12, 2008, BC scientist, Dr. Brian Harvey, released a report entitled Science and Sea Lice: What Do We Know? This review summarized 87 peer reviewed scientific papers published between 2004 and 2008, many from BC. In his introduction Dr. Harvey makes several points concerning sea lice research, one in particular was, “At present there is no scientific consensus on whether sea lice from farmed salmon are causing the demise of wild pink and chum populations”.
This is what I got back from my MP
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
FACTS ABOUT SEA LICE
Issue
There continues to be surges of (mis)information circulated about sea lice and its impact on aquaculture and wild salmon stocks in British Columbia. In an effort to encourage public understanding, DFO has developed the following Questions & Answers.
General Information
Q What are sea lice?
A Sea lice are very small, salt-water crustaceans with soft bodies, which are ordinarily enclosed within a hard, protective outer shell. They attach themselves to a host fish’s skin, fins, or gills, where they stay and feed on the mucous layer secreted by a fish's skin.
Two species of sea lice have been observed in British Columbia’s Broughton Archipelago since monitoring began in the area in 2001. Lepeophtheirus salmonis is commonly found on wild and farmed salmon and has been reported throughout the Pacific in areas including the high seas and coastal areas of Russia, Alaska and Canada. Caligus clemensi is found on several species of fish and occasionally on farmed salmon.
Q What treatments are available for sea lice?
A SLICE® (Emamectin Benzoate) is currently authorized for use under Health Canada’s Emergency Drug Release Program and requires a prescription from a veterinarian. It is administered via fish feed for the treatment of developing, immature and adult stages of sea lice in farmed salmon, and effectively eliminates them from the fish. It is not a pesticide, which is typically added to the water for treatment of external parasites. As of January 1, 2010, SLICE® will be commercially available based on approvals by Health Canada.
Q Is it safe to eat salmon treated with SLICE®?
A Yes, it is safe to eat salmon that has been treated with SLICE®. Health Canada has set stringent conditions regarding the use of SLICE®, in order to safeguard the safety and quality of products entering the food chain.
Q Are sea lice only found on farmed salmon?
A No, sea lice can also be found on wild salmon and many other species of wild fish.
Sea lice are very common on all Pacific salmon adults during their return migration to freshwater lakes and streams in which they were born. Commercial fishermen, recreational fishers, and First Nations people are all accustomed to seeing sea lice on wild adult Pacific salmon returning from sea to spawn.
Q Will eating salmon infected with sea lice make me sick?
A No, there is no risk to human health. Sea lice live on the outside of the fish and feed on the slippery mucus on the skin of the fish. They would not affect human health if eaten, and usually the lice fall off or are cleaned off during harvesting or processing activities before the fish even reaches the consumer.
Science
Q Are fish farms in the Broughton Archipelago causing a dramatic increase in sea lice levels?
A No. Since 1953, there have been significant fluctuations in the number of pink salmon returns. This was long before salmon farms were introduced to the area in 1987.
Ongoing research conducted by DFO is showing that the levels of sea lice found on wild Pacific salmon in the archipelago have declined consistently each year since 2004.
It is also important to note that there are two sources of sea lice in the Broughton Archipelago, from natural sources (e.g.: the marine environment), and potentially from salmon farms. Sea lice existed on wild salmon for tens of thousands of years before the first salmon farm was established in Canada and wild salmon have adapted to them.
Sea lice levels are carefully controlled on BC salmon farms, thereby reducing the risk of infecting fish living outside the farm to a negligible amount.
The Province of British Columbia (BC) has a comprehensive health management program for salmon aquaculture, which uses a precautionary approach. BC’s Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BC MAL) regularly release Compliance and Enforcement and Fish Health Reports. These reports consistently indicate that BC’s aquaculture industry is upholding a high level of environmental standards and is serious about co-existing with wild salmon stocks. The 2007 Fish Health Report identified no new disease findings that had not already been reported in wild, hatchery-reared or research salmonids in BC.
The reports are available on the BC MAL’s website at: http://www.al.gov.bc.ca/ahc/fish_health/ and http://www.al.gov.bc.ca/fisheries/aqua_report
Q What is the health of pink salmon populations in the Broughton Archipelago?
DFO has been monitoring pink salmon in the Broughton Archipelago since 1953. Pink salmon populations in this region are highly variable and cyclical in nature. Recent DFO studies (Brooks and Jones, 2008 and Riddell et al., 2008) indicate there are years where pink salmon abundance are extremely low followed by a gradual increase to – as in recent years – an extremely high abundance. This variability is an aspect of pink salmon population dynamics and is well-documented to have occurred prior to the establishment of the salmon aquaculture industry on the BC coast.
Pink salmon returns are very strong coast-wide in 2009. Some rivers on Vancouver Island are seeing record returns, including the Quinsam and Glendale Rivers in the Broughton Archipelago which are seeing very high abundance. In fact, directed commercial fisheries for pink salmon were opened to seine and gill net fish harvesters in this area on August 31, 2009. While both of these river systems are located in different geographic areas, they are both close to two of the highest density salmon farming areas on the BC coast.
Pink salmon have a two-year life cycle and went to sea as fry in 2008 when ocean conditions were thought to be generally favourable for salmon.
In terms of coast-wide pink populations, Fraser River pinks are tracking above the 12.4 million forecast level and are likely to reach abundance levels of 17.5 million or greater. Previous maximum returns for Fraser River pink salmon was 26 million, with an average return of 11.6 million (1959-2007). In the North Coast, fisheries near Kitimat saw a record catch of 6.55 million pinks this year.
Q What does DFO research suggest in the debate on the potential impact of sea lice from salmon farms on wild salmon stocks?
A Since 2003, DFO and others (e.g.: the Pacific Salmon Forum), have conducted extensive field and laboratory research into the potential origins of sea lice and their relationship to the health of wild salmon populations in the Broughton Archipelago.
DFO research has not been able to demonstrate a link between the levels of sea lice that may be present on the farms and the number of wild adult pink salmon returning to the Broughton Archipelago. Large fluctuations in abundance are typical among pink salmon populations and there are many potential sources of at-sea mortality. Monitoring results from DFO’s Pink Salmon Action Plan can be found at this link. Additional information related to DFO’s scientific findings to support Sustainable Aquaculture Research in BC can be found at this link. DFO prepared a report on scientific research related to the environmental interactions between finfish aquaculture and aquatic ecosystems for the Special Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture of the British Columbia Legislature in December 2006. The full report and a Power Point presentation can be found at this link.
In January 2009, the Pacific Salmon Forum presented its final report and recommendations to the Government of British Columbia following four years of extensive, collaborative scientific research. The report was released publicly on February 5, 2009 and can be accessed at this link. DFO scientists collaborated with the Pacific Salmon Forum on its research and contributed to its work.
Q Is it true that DFO research supports claims that sea lice from salmon farms is broadly infecting and harming wild pink salmon stocks in the Broughton Archipelago?
A No, this is not true. In fact, DFO scientists at the Pacific Biological Station have conducted laboratory research on the impact of sea lice on juvenile pink salmon from the Quinsam and Glendale rivers. Juvenile pink salmon were studied in three size categories (0.3 gm, 0.7 gm and 2.4 gm) and exposed to high, medium and low intensities of sea lice to study rates of infection and its effect.
This 2008 study by DFO scientists indicated that, in a controlled laboratory setting, deliberate exposure to high concentrations of sea lice can contribute to some mortality of very small juvenile wild pink salmon, that is, lighter than 0.3 grams. No mortality was observed in larger fish exposed to sea lice in this study (0.7 or 2.4 grams). Pink salmon in the wild are approximately 0.3 gm when they initially enter the marine environment, as demonstrated by sampling in the BA since 2003. The larger size categories of juvenile pink salmon are consistent with past research conducted in this DFO laboratory. This laboratory study is the first time that a DFO has found a direct link between sea lice infection and juvenile salmon mortality.
Laboratory observations that sea lice can lead to some mortality on small pink salmon are consistent with many statements from NGOs and other researchers. It is important to note that many other sources of mortality could be involved in the natural environment, predation by other species, ocean climate, and habitat loss. It is also possible that other wild fish species may be a source of sea lice infecting juvenile pink salmon.
DFO is currently examining its extensive information on the distribution of juvenile pink and chum salmon from field studies to determine where they are and their proximity to salmon farms in the BA.
The results of a subsequent DFO study, concerning the application of the lethal threshold to wild juvenile pink salmon in the Broughton Archipelago, have been accepted by Diseases of Aquatic Organisms and will be published in 2009.
Q Is it true that sea lice are killing juvenile sockeye salmon?
A No. Sea lice from salmon farms cannot singularly explain the extremely poor marine survival of Fraser River sockeye. Sockeye returns to the Skeena River in northern British Columbia were also significantly lower than anticipated this year and the migration route of juvenile sockeye from this river system does not take them anywhere near fish farms.
We also know that the majority of sea lice found on juvenile sockeye in the Straight of Georgia where the Fraser River salmon migrate are not the same sea lice species reported on BC salmon farms.
Juvenile sockeye that migrate past salmon farms in the Discovery Islands are significantly larger than pink salmon – 5 to 10 grams in size - when they migrate into the ocean, well beyond the threshold for susceptibility to sea lice.
Q What is being done internationally on the subject of sea lice?
A As in Canada, the governments of other countries such as Ireland, Norway, the United Kingdom and Scotland, are working collaboratively with industry and special interest groups on ways to effectively manage and monitor sea lice in order to minimize the risk of infection for both farmed salmon and wild fish.
Scientists from around the globe are also working collaboratively within a network of international sea lice researchers, to understand possible linkages between sea lice, wild stocks and farmed salmon.
Since 2003, DFO has conducted sea lice studies, contributing to a growing body of scientific knowledge. Canada is recognized internationally as a world-leader on sea lice research, with a research and management approach informed by previous and current levels of international scientific knowledge and on-the-farm practices.
Management
Q What is Canada doing to ensure the sustainability of the salmon fishing industry?
A DFO and British Columbia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BCMAL), are committed to the protection of the marine environment and wild salmon stocks. As the lead federal agency for aquaculture DFO supports specific scientific research, monitor wild salmon stocks, and enforce protective, environmental regulations.
Provincially, BCMAL ensures salmon harvesters conduct regular monthly monitoring and documentation of sea lice levels on their farms, implements fish health management plans as a condition of license, conduct sea lice audits, and evaluates sea lice abundance from salmon farms supporting integrated area management of sea lice populations.
Active discussions and the participation of all stakeholders in developing further risk reduction strategies will only serve to enhance the work currently being done by industry and science to protect the marine environment and wild salmon stocks.
Q What is required of industry to ensure the safe management of sea lice?
A Salmon farming companies in the Broughton Archipelago have developed a joint management plan for spring 2009 that will effectively provide a fallow route for juvenile salmon.
In addition, every salmon farm in B.C. is required to have a fish health management plan in place as a condition of its operating licence. Sea lice monitoring is mandatory in this plan and all producers are required to report their sampling results to the provincial Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (B.C. MAL).
For more information on BC MAL’s ‘Fish Health Management Plan’ please visit:
http://www.al.gov.bc.ca/ahc/fish_health/fish_health_management_plan.htm
Q What actions are being taken to monitor the salmon farming industry?
A DFO works closely with the Province of British Columbia to ensure the salmon farming industry is managed in a responsible way, minimizing impacts on the environment and other marine life. The BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands is responsible for the day-to-day management of salmon aquaculture which includes fish health monitoring.
In 2003, BC MAL implemented a Sea Lice Management Strategy that requires each farm to submit a sea lice response plan that includes monitoring and reporting sea lice levels. They have set precautionary levels for sea lice on farms (average of three adult lice per fish).
The BC salmon farming industry have been operating in a responsible manner to minimize the effects of sea lice on the aquaculture environment. They have been compliant with precautionary levels and treat the fish to minimize the risk of infecting fish living outside the farm. Licensed aquatic veterinarians are consulted to administer environmentally sound treatments. In fact the industry has been voluntarily pre-treating fish to minimize the risk of infection.
Q Are sea lice from salmon farms in the Broughton Archipelago responsible for poor returns of wild sockeye stocks in BC this year?
A No. Wild sockeye salmon population declines have occurred all along the B.C. coast in 2008 and 2009. Sea lice from salmon farms cannot singularly explain the extremely poor marine survival of Fraser River sockeye. Declines are more likely related to broad geographic scale conditions in the ocean and are not limited to the Broughton region. Sockeye returns to the Skeena River in northern British Columbia were also significantly lower than anticipated this year and the migration route of juvenile sockeye from this river system does not take them anywhere near fish farms.
DFO also knows that the majority of sea lice found on juvenile sockeye in the Straight of Georgia where the Fraser River salmon migrate are not the same sea lice species reported on BC salmon farms.
Juvenile sockeye that do migrate past salmon farms in the Discovery Islands are significantly larger than pink salmon – 5 to 10 grams in size - when they migrate into the ocean, well beyond the threshold for susceptibility to sea lice.
Q What is DFO doing to monitor sea lice?
A DFO research has demonstrated the presence of different species of sea lice in the Strait of Georgia. There is some uncertainty about the interaction of different species of salmon with different species of sea lice: some species of sea lice are associated with wild salmon populations, while others are associated with farmed fish. DFO acknowledges that more research is necessary to understand these differences and interactions.
DFO has undertaken significant scientific research on sea lice levels in the BA, the impacts of sea lice on juvenile salmon, and the adult returns of pink and chum salmon for the past several years. Through its monitoring programs, DFO has increased its efforts in recent years in determining the incidence and severity of sea lice infection rates of juvenile salmon in the Broughton Archipelago area.
DFO’s research shows that sea lice in the Broughton Archipelago are being controlled, that sea lice are not decimating juvenile pink and chum salmon, and that the returns of adult pink and chum salmon are not showing marked declines. In fact, recent returns continue to increase from the poor returns acknowledged in 2002 and 2003.
Q With the assortment of opinions on sea lice, what should the public believe?
A There are different and dissenting opinions on the status of sea lice in the Broughton Archipelago. Many researchers and environmental organizations believe that salmon farms are causing poor returns of adult wild salmon stocks, and that if salmon farms were eliminated, the sea lice problem would be too. This is just not factual. Much research exists that lays to rest the all-encompassing claim that sea lice is putting all wild salmon at risk.
On March 12, 2008, BC scientist, Dr. Brian Harvey, released a report entitled Science and Sea Lice: What Do We Know? This review summarized 87 peer reviewed scientific papers published between 2004 and 2008, many from BC. In his introduction Dr. Harvey makes several points concerning sea lice research, one in particular was, “At present there is no scientific consensus on whether sea lice from farmed salmon are causing the demise of wild pink and chum populations”.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
FACTS ABOUT SEA LICE
Issue
There continues to be surges of (mis)information circulated about sea lice and its impact on aquaculture and wild salmon stocks in British Columbia. In an effort to encourage public understanding, DFO has developed the following Questions & Answers.
General Information
Q What are sea lice?
A Sea lice are very small, salt-water crustaceans with soft bodies, which are ordinarily enclosed within a hard, protective outer shell. They attach themselves to a host fish’s skin, fins, or gills, where they stay and feed on the mucous layer secreted by a fish's skin.
Two species of sea lice have been observed in British Columbia’s Broughton Archipelago since monitoring began in the area in 2001. Lepeophtheirus salmonis is commonly found on wild and farmed salmon and has been reported throughout the Pacific in areas including the high seas and coastal areas of Russia, Alaska and Canada. Caligus clemensi is found on several species of fish and occasionally on farmed salmon.
Q What treatments are available for sea lice?
A SLICE® (Emamectin Benzoate) is currently authorized for use under Health Canada’s Emergency Drug Release Program and requires a prescription from a veterinarian. It is administered via fish feed for the treatment of developing, immature and adult stages of sea lice in farmed salmon, and effectively eliminates them from the fish. It is not a pesticide, which is typically added to the water for treatment of external parasites. As of January 1, 2010, SLICE® will be commercially available based on approvals by Health Canada.
Q Is it safe to eat salmon treated with SLICE®?
A Yes, it is safe to eat salmon that has been treated with SLICE®. Health Canada has set stringent conditions regarding the use of SLICE®, in order to safeguard the safety and quality of products entering the food chain.
Q Are sea lice only found on farmed salmon?
A No, sea lice can also be found on wild salmon and many other species of wild fish.
Sea lice are very common on all Pacific salmon adults during their return migration to freshwater lakes and streams in which they were born. Commercial fishermen, recreational fishers, and First Nations people are all accustomed to seeing sea lice on wild adult Pacific salmon returning from sea to spawn.
Q Will eating salmon infected with sea lice make me sick?
A No, there is no risk to human health. Sea lice live on the outside of the fish and feed on the slippery mucus on the skin of the fish. They would not affect human health if eaten, and usually the lice fall off or are cleaned off during harvesting or processing activities before the fish even reaches the consumer.
Science
Q Are fish farms in the Broughton Archipelago causing a dramatic increase in sea lice levels?
A No. Since 1953, there have been significant fluctuations in the number of pink salmon returns. This was long before salmon farms were introduced to the area in 1987.
Ongoing research conducted by DFO is showing that the levels of sea lice found on wild Pacific salmon in the archipelago have declined consistently each year since 2004.
It is also important to note that there are two sources of sea lice in the Broughton Archipelago, from natural sources (e.g.: the marine environment), and potentially from salmon farms. Sea lice existed on wild salmon for tens of thousands of years before the first salmon farm was established in Canada and wild salmon have adapted to them.
Sea lice levels are carefully controlled on BC salmon farms, thereby reducing the risk of infecting fish living outside the farm to a negligible amount.
The Province of British Columbia (BC) has a comprehensive health management program for salmon aquaculture, which uses a precautionary approach. BC’s Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BC MAL) regularly release Compliance and Enforcement and Fish Health Reports. These reports consistently indicate that BC’s aquaculture industry is upholding a high level of environmental standards and is serious about co-existing with wild salmon stocks. The 2007 Fish Health Report identified no new disease findings that had not already been reported in wild, hatchery-reared or research salmonids in BC.
The reports are available on the BC MAL’s website at: http://www.al.gov.bc.ca/ahc/fish_health/ and http://www.al.gov.bc.ca/fisheries/aqua_report
Q What is the health of pink salmon populations in the Broughton Archipelago?
DFO has been monitoring pink salmon in the Broughton Archipelago since 1953. Pink salmon populations in this region are highly variable and cyclical in nature. Recent DFO studies (Brooks and Jones, 2008 and Riddell et al., 2008) indicate there are years where pink salmon abundance are extremely low followed by a gradual increase to – as in recent years – an extremely high abundance. This variability is an aspect of pink salmon population dynamics and is well-documented to have occurred prior to the establishment of the salmon aquaculture industry on the BC coast.
Pink salmon returns are very strong coast-wide in 2009. Some rivers on Vancouver Island are seeing record returns, including the Quinsam and Glendale Rivers in the Broughton Archipelago which are seeing very high abundance. In fact, directed commercial fisheries for pink salmon were opened to seine and gill net fish harvesters in this area on August 31, 2009. While both of these river systems are located in different geographic areas, they are both close to two of the highest density salmon farming areas on the BC coast.
Pink salmon have a two-year life cycle and went to sea as fry in 2008 when ocean conditions were thought to be generally favourable for salmon.
In terms of coast-wide pink populations, Fraser River pinks are tracking above the 12.4 million forecast level and are likely to reach abundance levels of 17.5 million or greater. Previous maximum returns for Fraser River pink salmon was 26 million, with an average return of 11.6 million (1959-2007). In the North Coast, fisheries near Kitimat saw a record catch of 6.55 million pinks this year.
Q What does DFO research suggest in the debate on the potential impact of sea lice from salmon farms on wild salmon stocks?
A Since 2003, DFO and others (e.g.: the Pacific Salmon Forum), have conducted extensive field and laboratory research into the potential origins of sea lice and their relationship to the health of wild salmon populations in the Broughton Archipelago.
DFO research has not been able to demonstrate a link between the levels of sea lice that may be present on the farms and the number of wild adult pink salmon returning to the Broughton Archipelago. Large fluctuations in abundance are typical among pink salmon populations and there are many potential sources of at-sea mortality. Monitoring results from DFO’s Pink Salmon Action Plan can be found at this link. Additional information related to DFO’s scientific findings to support Sustainable Aquaculture Research in BC can be found at this link. DFO prepared a report on scientific research related to the environmental interactions between finfish aquaculture and aquatic ecosystems for the Special Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture of the British Columbia Legislature in December 2006. The full report and a Power Point presentation can be found at this link.
In January 2009, the Pacific Salmon Forum presented its final report and recommendations to the Government of British Columbia following four years of extensive, collaborative scientific research. The report was released publicly on February 5, 2009 and can be accessed at this link. DFO scientists collaborated with the Pacific Salmon Forum on its research and contributed to its work.
Q Is it true that DFO research supports claims that sea lice from salmon farms is broadly infecting and harming wild pink salmon stocks in the Broughton Archipelago?
A No, this is not true. In fact, DFO scientists at the Pacific Biological Station have conducted laboratory research on the impact of sea lice on juvenile pink salmon from the Quinsam and Glendale rivers. Juvenile pink salmon were studied in three size categories (0.3 gm, 0.7 gm and 2.4 gm) and exposed to high, medium and low intensities of sea lice to study rates of infection and its effect.
This 2008 study by DFO scientists indicated that, in a controlled laboratory setting, deliberate exposure to high concentrations of sea lice can contribute to some mortality of very small juvenile wild pink salmon, that is, lighter than 0.3 grams. No mortality was observed in larger fish exposed to sea lice in this study (0.7 or 2.4 grams). Pink salmon in the wild are approximately 0.3 gm when they initially enter the marine environment, as demonstrated by sampling in the BA since 2003. The larger size categories of juvenile pink salmon are consistent with past research conducted in this DFO laboratory. This laboratory study is the first time that a DFO has found a direct link between sea lice infection and juvenile salmon mortality.
Laboratory observations that sea lice can lead to some mortality on small pink salmon are consistent with many statements from NGOs and other researchers. It is important to note that many other sources of mortality could be involved in the natural environment, predation by other species, ocean climate, and habitat loss. It is also possible that other wild fish species may be a source of sea lice infecting juvenile pink salmon.
DFO is currently examining its extensive information on the distribution of juvenile pink and chum salmon from field studies to determine where they are and their proximity to salmon farms in the BA.
The results of a subsequent DFO study, concerning the application of the lethal threshold to wild juvenile pink salmon in the Broughton Archipelago, have been accepted by Diseases of Aquatic Organisms and will be published in 2009.
Q Is it true that sea lice are killing juvenile sockeye salmon?
A No. Sea lice from salmon farms cannot singularly explain the extremely poor marine survival of Fraser River sockeye. Sockeye returns to the Skeena River in northern British Columbia were also significantly lower than anticipated this year and the migration route of juvenile sockeye from this river system does not take them anywhere near fish farms.
We also know that the majority of sea lice found on juvenile sockeye in the Straight of Georgia where the Fraser River salmon migrate are not the same sea lice species reported on BC salmon farms.
Juvenile sockeye that migrate past salmon farms in the Discovery Islands are significantly larger than pink salmon – 5 to 10 grams in size - when they migrate into the ocean, well beyond the threshold for susceptibility to sea lice.
Q What is being done internationally on the subject of sea lice?
A As in Canada, the governments of other countries such as Ireland, Norway, the United Kingdom and Scotland, are working collaboratively with industry and special interest groups on ways to effectively manage and monitor sea lice in order to minimize the risk of infection for both farmed salmon and wild fish.
Scientists from around the globe are also working collaboratively within a network of international sea lice researchers, to understand possible linkages between sea lice, wild stocks and farmed salmon.
Since 2003, DFO has conducted sea lice studies, contributing to a growing body of scientific knowledge. Canada is recognized internationally as a world-leader on sea lice research, with a research and management approach informed by previous and current levels of international scientific knowledge and on-the-farm practices.
Management
Q What is Canada doing to ensure the sustainability of the salmon fishing industry?
A DFO and British Columbia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BCMAL), are committed to the protection of the marine environment and wild salmon stocks. As the lead federal agency for aquaculture DFO supports specific scientific research, monitor wild salmon stocks, and enforce protective, environmental regulations.
Provincially, BCMAL ensures salmon harvesters conduct regular monthly monitoring and documentation of sea lice levels on their farms, implements fish health management plans as a condition of license, conduct sea lice audits, and evaluates sea lice abundance from salmon farms supporting integrated area management of sea lice populations.
Active discussions and the participation of all stakeholders in developing further risk reduction strategies will only serve to enhance the work currently being done by industry and science to protect the marine environment and wild salmon stocks.
Q What is required of industry to ensure the safe management of sea lice?
A Salmon farming companies in the Broughton Archipelago have developed a joint management plan for spring 2009 that will effectively provide a fallow route for juvenile salmon.
In addition, every salmon farm in B.C. is required to have a fish health management plan in place as a condition of its operating licence. Sea lice monitoring is mandatory in this plan and all producers are required to report their sampling results to the provincial Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (B.C. MAL).
For more information on BC MAL’s ‘Fish Health Management Plan’ please visit:
http://www.al.gov.bc.ca/ahc/fish_health/fish_health_management_plan.htm
Q What actions are being taken to monitor the salmon farming industry?
A DFO works closely with the Province of British Columbia to ensure the salmon farming industry is managed in a responsible way, minimizing impacts on the environment and other marine life. The BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands is responsible for the day-to-day management of salmon aquaculture which includes fish health monitoring.
In 2003, BC MAL implemented a Sea Lice Management Strategy that requires each farm to submit a sea lice response plan that includes monitoring and reporting sea lice levels. They have set precautionary levels for sea lice on farms (average of three adult lice per fish).
The BC salmon farming industry have been operating in a responsible manner to minimize the effects of sea lice on the aquaculture environment. They have been compliant with precautionary levels and treat the fish to minimize the risk of infecting fish living outside the farm. Licensed aquatic veterinarians are consulted to administer environmentally sound treatments. In fact the industry has been voluntarily pre-treating fish to minimize the risk of infection.
Q Are sea lice from salmon farms in the Broughton Archipelago responsible for poor returns of wild sockeye stocks in BC this year?
A No. Wild sockeye salmon population declines have occurred all along the B.C. coast in 2008 and 2009. Sea lice from salmon farms cannot singularly explain the extremely poor marine survival of Fraser River sockeye. Declines are more likely related to broad geographic scale conditions in the ocean and are not limited to the Broughton region. Sockeye returns to the Skeena River in northern British Columbia were also significantly lower than anticipated this year and the migration route of juvenile sockeye from this river system does not take them anywhere near fish farms.
DFO also knows that the majority of sea lice found on juvenile sockeye in the Straight of Georgia where the Fraser River salmon migrate are not the same sea lice species reported on BC salmon farms.
Juvenile sockeye that do migrate past salmon farms in the Discovery Islands are significantly larger than pink salmon – 5 to 10 grams in size - when they migrate into the ocean, well beyond the threshold for susceptibility to sea lice.
Q What is DFO doing to monitor sea lice?
A DFO research has demonstrated the presence of different species of sea lice in the Strait of Georgia. There is some uncertainty about the interaction of different species of salmon with different species of sea lice: some species of sea lice are associated with wild salmon populations, while others are associated with farmed fish. DFO acknowledges that more research is necessary to understand these differences and interactions.
DFO has undertaken significant scientific research on sea lice levels in the BA, the impacts of sea lice on juvenile salmon, and the adult returns of pink and chum salmon for the past several years. Through its monitoring programs, DFO has increased its efforts in recent years in determining the incidence and severity of sea lice infection rates of juvenile salmon in the Broughton Archipelago area.
DFO’s research shows that sea lice in the Broughton Archipelago are being controlled, that sea lice are not decimating juvenile pink and chum salmon, and that the returns of adult pink and chum salmon are not showing marked declines. In fact, recent returns continue to increase from the poor returns acknowledged in 2002 and 2003.
Q With the assortment of opinions on sea lice, what should the public believe?
A There are different and dissenting opinions on the status of sea lice in the Broughton Archipelago. Many researchers and environmental organizations believe that salmon farms are causing poor returns of adult wild salmon stocks, and that if salmon farms were eliminated, the sea lice problem would be too. This is just not factual. Much research exists that lays to rest the all-encompassing claim that sea lice is putting all wild salmon at risk.
On March 12, 2008, BC scientist, Dr. Brian Harvey, released a report entitled Science and Sea Lice: What Do We Know? This review summarized 87 peer reviewed scientific papers published between 2004 and 2008, many from BC. In his introduction Dr. Harvey makes several points concerning sea lice research, one in particular was, “At present there is no scientific consensus on whether sea lice from farmed salmon are causing the demise of wild pink and chum populations”.
finaddict
Well-Known Member
I have a question....
If sealice pose no theat to juvenile salmon populations(as per DFO) then why are they monitoring the sealice populations and why are the farms in the Broughton archipelago coordinating a plan to fallow their sites during pink juvenile migrations? Seems like a lot of effort to reduce contact for a problem that they say doesn't exist in the first place.
"DFO research has not been able to demonstrate a link between the levels of sea lice that may be present on the farms and the number of wild adult pink salmon returning to the Broughton Archipelago."
"Provincially, BCMAL ensures salmon harvesters conduct regular monthly monitoring and documentation of sea lice levels on their farms, implements fish health management plans as a condition of license, conduct sea lice audits, and evaluates sea lice abundance from salmon farms supporting integrated area management of sea lice populations."
"Salmon farming companies in the Broughton Archipelago have developed a joint management plan for spring 2009 that will effectively provide a fallow route for juvenile salmon."
If sealice pose no theat to juvenile salmon populations(as per DFO) then why are they monitoring the sealice populations and why are the farms in the Broughton archipelago coordinating a plan to fallow their sites during pink juvenile migrations? Seems like a lot of effort to reduce contact for a problem that they say doesn't exist in the first place.
"DFO research has not been able to demonstrate a link between the levels of sea lice that may be present on the farms and the number of wild adult pink salmon returning to the Broughton Archipelago."
"Provincially, BCMAL ensures salmon harvesters conduct regular monthly monitoring and documentation of sea lice levels on their farms, implements fish health management plans as a condition of license, conduct sea lice audits, and evaluates sea lice abundance from salmon farms supporting integrated area management of sea lice populations."
"Salmon farming companies in the Broughton Archipelago have developed a joint management plan for spring 2009 that will effectively provide a fallow route for juvenile salmon."
finaddict
Well-Known Member
I have a question....
If sealice pose no theat to juvenile salmon populations(as per DFO) then why are they monitoring the sealice populations and why are the farms in the Broughton archipelago coordinating a plan to fallow their sites during pink juvenile migrations? Seems like a lot of effort to reduce contact for a problem that they say doesn't exist in the first place.
"DFO research has not been able to demonstrate a link between the levels of sea lice that may be present on the farms and the number of wild adult pink salmon returning to the Broughton Archipelago."
"Provincially, BCMAL ensures salmon harvesters conduct regular monthly monitoring and documentation of sea lice levels on their farms, implements fish health management plans as a condition of license, conduct sea lice audits, and evaluates sea lice abundance from salmon farms supporting integrated area management of sea lice populations."
"Salmon farming companies in the Broughton Archipelago have developed a joint management plan for spring 2009 that will effectively provide a fallow route for juvenile salmon."
If sealice pose no theat to juvenile salmon populations(as per DFO) then why are they monitoring the sealice populations and why are the farms in the Broughton archipelago coordinating a plan to fallow their sites during pink juvenile migrations? Seems like a lot of effort to reduce contact for a problem that they say doesn't exist in the first place.
"DFO research has not been able to demonstrate a link between the levels of sea lice that may be present on the farms and the number of wild adult pink salmon returning to the Broughton Archipelago."
"Provincially, BCMAL ensures salmon harvesters conduct regular monthly monitoring and documentation of sea lice levels on their farms, implements fish health management plans as a condition of license, conduct sea lice audits, and evaluates sea lice abundance from salmon farms supporting integrated area management of sea lice populations."
"Salmon farming companies in the Broughton Archipelago have developed a joint management plan for spring 2009 that will effectively provide a fallow route for juvenile salmon."
highlights
Active Member
The penned fish were treated coincidentally just prior to the migration of pink smolts. Shortly after once the "slice" had dissipated it was the turn of the Sockeye. Then they vanished. Hmmmm......... again coincidence?
Anyways, my letter was forwarded to all people of importance.
Hello,
I am writing in regards to our fisheries. I will keep it short as I have many people on this list.
I emplore that you give your utmost attention to the matter of the current fish farming practices on our Coast. As a citizen, business owner, fisherman and father I will not accept the continuing decline of our wild stocks of salmon.
Many factors are contributing to the steady decline of wild fish but as I see it, something so evident as drug resistant sea lice and the actual over loading of these lice cannot be ignored. Why are we allowing Norwegian companies to lead the way in fish farming on our Canadian coastline?
We do not reap substantial enough benifits to warrant their existance in our backyards. Please visit and ensure we enact the Fisheries law that protects our fish from types of businesses like this. Why not close containment? Allow our own residents of Canada to reinvent the industry . Create more jobs and allow our stocks of salmon to slowly rebuild without the added pressure that we all know fish farming is creating.
FARMING ATLANTIC SALMON IN NET PENS ON THE COAST OF BRITISH COLUMBIA IS NOT SUSTAINABLE>
PLEASE HEED THE WARNINGS!!!!!!!
SEA LICE>>>>>>>>> ISA VIRUS>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Sincerely
*****
Anyways, my letter was forwarded to all people of importance.
Hello,
I am writing in regards to our fisheries. I will keep it short as I have many people on this list.
I emplore that you give your utmost attention to the matter of the current fish farming practices on our Coast. As a citizen, business owner, fisherman and father I will not accept the continuing decline of our wild stocks of salmon.
Many factors are contributing to the steady decline of wild fish but as I see it, something so evident as drug resistant sea lice and the actual over loading of these lice cannot be ignored. Why are we allowing Norwegian companies to lead the way in fish farming on our Canadian coastline?
We do not reap substantial enough benifits to warrant their existance in our backyards. Please visit and ensure we enact the Fisheries law that protects our fish from types of businesses like this. Why not close containment? Allow our own residents of Canada to reinvent the industry . Create more jobs and allow our stocks of salmon to slowly rebuild without the added pressure that we all know fish farming is creating.
FARMING ATLANTIC SALMON IN NET PENS ON THE COAST OF BRITISH COLUMBIA IS NOT SUSTAINABLE>
PLEASE HEED THE WARNINGS!!!!!!!
SEA LICE>>>>>>>>> ISA VIRUS>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Sincerely
*****
highlights
Active Member
Here are a couple responses to my letter. One from Keith Martin ( office ) and One from the David Suzuki Foundation.
Dear Mark,
Thank you for your email and question regarding our position on farmed salmon. To learn more about our work on this issue please visit our website and Caar’s website (our partner organization for this issue).
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/Oceans/Aquaculture/
http://www.farmedanddangerous.org/
All the best,
Lana
Program Coordinator - Marine & Freshwater
David Suzuki Foundation
219-2211 West 4th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
V6K 4S2
T: 604.732.4228 (ext. 241)
F: 604.732.0752
Hello I was wondering where David Suzuki stands on the current fish farming practices here in British Columbia. I am very concerned with the latest issues regarding escapees,outfall, drugs, sea lice and general open containment for this type of industry. In it's current form I cannot see how this is a viable option on the west coast. Our wild stocks are at serious risk of collapse. Here is a clip that Alexandra Mortin prepared and I find it compelling. http://vimeo.com/9646074 I have watched David Suzuki since I was a child and greatly respect his work. I am curious as to his take on this issue as I know if there was any other angle then he would most certainly find it. Thank you very much for your time. Sincerely
Hello Mark,
Thank you for your email; Dr. Martin is in Ottawa, and I will forward your message to him. Keith is advocating for a move to closed containment and land based fish farming away from salmon migration routes.
I have attached a few articles that he has written, and a short debate that took place in the House of Commons with Fisheries Minister, Gail Shea.
Regards,
Victoria Simmons
Assistant
Office of Dr. Keith Martin, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Esquimalt - Juan de Fuca
666 Granderson Road
Victoria, BC V9B 2R8
Tel: 250-474-6505 Fax: 250-474-5322
www.keithmartin.org
Dear Mark,
Thank you for your email and question regarding our position on farmed salmon. To learn more about our work on this issue please visit our website and Caar’s website (our partner organization for this issue).
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/Oceans/Aquaculture/
http://www.farmedanddangerous.org/
All the best,
Lana
Program Coordinator - Marine & Freshwater
David Suzuki Foundation
219-2211 West 4th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
V6K 4S2
T: 604.732.4228 (ext. 241)
F: 604.732.0752
Hello I was wondering where David Suzuki stands on the current fish farming practices here in British Columbia. I am very concerned with the latest issues regarding escapees,outfall, drugs, sea lice and general open containment for this type of industry. In it's current form I cannot see how this is a viable option on the west coast. Our wild stocks are at serious risk of collapse. Here is a clip that Alexandra Mortin prepared and I find it compelling. http://vimeo.com/9646074 I have watched David Suzuki since I was a child and greatly respect his work. I am curious as to his take on this issue as I know if there was any other angle then he would most certainly find it. Thank you very much for your time. Sincerely
Hello Mark,
Thank you for your email; Dr. Martin is in Ottawa, and I will forward your message to him. Keith is advocating for a move to closed containment and land based fish farming away from salmon migration routes.
I have attached a few articles that he has written, and a short debate that took place in the House of Commons with Fisheries Minister, Gail Shea.
Regards,
Victoria Simmons
Assistant
Office of Dr. Keith Martin, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Esquimalt - Juan de Fuca
666 Granderson Road
Victoria, BC V9B 2R8
Tel: 250-474-6505 Fax: 250-474-5322
www.keithmartin.org
