Environment
The growing population is challenging us to create
more food with less — to safeguard the environment
and use it wisely.
Environment
Growing More Food and Protecting the Environment
Salmon farming has a low carbon footprint, high protein yield and efficient feed conversion ratio compared to other protein foods — sustainable food production into the future. To remain a viable industry, BC salmon farmers continue to invest in research to increase our knowledge about the environment and to develop technology to be more efficient protein producers while ensuring the integrity of the ocean.
Growing More Food and Protecting the Environment
Salmon farming has a low carbon footprint, high protein yield and efficient feed conversion ratio compared to other protein foods — sustainable food production into the future. To remain a viable industry, BC salmon farmers continue to invest in research to increase our knowledge about the environment and to develop technology to be more efficient protein producers while ensuring the integrity of the ocean.
Wild Salmon — Our Commitment
A key component of sustainability is the protection of wild salmon stocks. Science completed over the past 30 years tells us that responsibly farmed salmon and wild salmon can co-exist in the ocean. Through the collaborative Marine Environment Research Program (see details in the R&D section) BC salmon farmers have invested significant resources to better understand wild salmon populations and the marine environment.
The following code and industry activities ensure growing salmon in the ocean will not negatively impact wild salmon.
- The National Code on the Introductions and Transfers of Aquatic Organisms.
- Ongoing stringent testing to ensure that only healthy smolts enter the ocean environment.
- Vaccination of all smolts for protection against common pathogens for which effective vaccines are available.
- Continued investment in research through the Marine Environmental Research Program.
- Continued support of Salmon Enhancement programs.
- Strong commitment to containment – keeping farmed salmon in the net pen.
BC salmon farmers are committed to our wild salmon populations by supporting a wide variety of salmon enhancement initiatives in the communities we live in, to preserve, protect and enhance our coastal wild fish stocks. In addition to funding dozens of annual projects and donating equipment, BC salmon farming company employees also volunteer to help with activities like fin clipping, stream restoration and seines for brood stock. Being responsible environmental stewards and supporting the future health of wild salmon is important for us all.
Wild Salmon — Our Commitment
A key component of sustainability is the protection of wild salmon stocks. Science completed over the past 30 years tells us that responsibly farmed salmon and wild salmon can co-exist in the ocean. Through the collaborative Marine Environment Research Program (see details in the R&D section) BC salmon farmers have invested significant resources to better understand wild salmon populations and the marine environment.
The following code and industry activities ensure growing salmon in the ocean will not negatively impact wild salmon.
- The National Code on the Introductions and Transfers of Aquatic Organisms.
- Ongoing stringent testing to ensure that only healthy smolts enter the ocean environment.
- Vaccination of all smolts for protection against common pathogens for which effective vaccines are available.
- Continued investment in research through the Marine Environmental Research Program.
- Continued support of Salmon Enhancement programs.
- Strong commitment to containment – keeping farmed salmon in the net pen.
BC salmon farmers are committed to our wild salmon populations by supporting a wide variety of salmon enhancement initiatives in the communities we live in, to preserve, protect and enhance our coastal wild fish stocks. In addition to funding dozens of annual projects and donating equipment, BC salmon farming company employees also volunteer to help with activities like fin clipping, stream restoration and seines for brood stock. Being responsible environmental stewards and supporting the future health of wild salmon is important for us all.
Ocean Plastics
The presence of microplastic in the ocean is a serious environmental issue. The United Nations estimates 100 million tonnes of plastic has been dumped into the oceans to date and if current trends continue, our oceans could contain more plastic than fish by 2050.
BC fish farmers are taking measures to reduce plastic waste in the ocean. We partner with First Nations and coastal restoration organizations to clean up local beaches and estuaries. The objective is to remove accumulated plastics and garbage, restore and enhance near-shore and stream spawning habitat for wild salmon. We are also committed to reducing single use plastics and recycling used plastics.
Ocean Plastics
The presence of microplastic in the ocean is a serious environmental issue. The United Nations estimates 100 million tonnes of plastic has been dumped into the oceans to date and if current trends continue, our oceans could contain more plastic than fish by 2050.
BC fish farmers are taking measures to reduce plastic waste in the ocean. We partner with First Nations and coastal restoration organizations to clean up local beaches and estuaries. The objective is to remove accumulated plastics and garbage, restore and enhance near-shore and stream spawning habitat for wild salmon. We are also committed to reducing single use plastics and recycling used plastics.
Containment
The BC salmon farming industry has a target of zero escapes. The use of synthetic polymer nettings has improved practices and contributed substantially to the decrease in fish escapes in recent years. Ongoing research into new polymeric fibres continues to provide innovative and stronger materials for nets and ropes.
Containment
The BC salmon farming industry has a target of zero escapes. The use of synthetic polymer nettings has improved practices and contributed substantially to the decrease in fish escapes in recent years. Ongoing research into new polymeric fibres continues to provide innovative and stronger materials for nets and ropes.
Escaped Salmon Per Year, BC
