CAMPBELL RIVER, BC – BC Salmon Farmers respect and recognize First Nations’ rights and title over their traditional territories. Every salmon farm operating in British Columbia is under a partnership, agreement, or negotiation with the First Nations in whose territories we operate.
Many salmon farming agreements have Guardian programs with the rights-holder Nations, and the regulations are typically stricter than those imposed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
“Our sector has consistently stated that we will not farm where we do not have consent, and we have stayed true to that commitment,” says Brian Kingzett, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association.
With the support of the Nations in whose territories we operate, the BC salmon farming sector has repeatedly presented practical, realistic, and responsible plans to further reduce potential risks to wild Pacific salmon, which demonstrate our willingness to invest in innovation.
Federal, independent, and sector-led data and studies continue to show that current ocean salmon farms pose no more than minimal risk to wild Pacific salmon. The recently released 500- page “Modern Salmon Farming in BC: A Review” document comprehensively summarizes these studies and data.
“We are committed to working with all levels of government, the rights-holder First Nations in whose territories we operate, and various other stakeholders to continue on a responsible, realistic, and achievable path forward,” says Kingzett.
ABOUT THE BC SALMON FARMERS ASSOCIATION
BC salmon farmers are committed to reconciliation, and all farms operating in BC are currently in agreement, negotiation, or established partnerships with First Nations in whose territories we operate. These agreements are founded upon recognizing First Nations’ right to exercise jurisdiction over the land, resources, and waters within their territories.
Farm-raised salmon generates over $1.142 billion for the provincial economy, supporting thousands of jobs. Additionally, farm-raised salmon provides a nutritious and sustainably produced protein with a low carbon footprint that contributes to Canada’s food security and
Blue Economy.
The BC Salmon Farmers Association represents over 60 businesses and organizations throughout the value chain of finfish aquaculture in BC. Our members account for over 95% of the annual provincial harvest of farm-raised salmon in British Columbia.
For more information, visit bcsalmonfarmers.ca.
MEDIA CONTACT
Michelle Franze
Manager of Communications, Partnerships and Community
michelle@bcsalmonfarmers.ca
604-202-4417