Liǧʷiłdaxʷ TERRITORY/CAMPBELL RIVER, BC — The BC Salmon Farmers Association is drawing attention to alarming deficiencies in the scientific integrity of the Broughton Aquaculture Transition Initiative (BATI) Fish Health Reports and environmental DNA (eDNA) study, conducted by the Molecular Genetics Laboratory at the Pacific Biological Station.
“Regulatory decisions must be rooted in credible science,” said Brian Kingzett, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association. “The ongoing inconsistencies and data integrity issues require immediate government intervention.”
The Association is calling for an independent government review of the laboratory to ensure that regulatory decisions are based on scientifically sound, transparent, and reliable data. Multiple deficiencies cast doubt on the reliability of key data used to inform regulatory decisions affecting British Columbia’s salmon farming sector.
Significant flaws in data collection, handling, and interpretation include:
- Compromised Sample Integrity: Fish were euthanized and stored in communal water, increasing contamination risks, while pooled organ sampling undermined diagnostic reliability.
- Data Management Failures: Mislabelled and duplicated samples, missing raw data, and uncorrected errors raise serious concerns about data integrity.
- Misrepresentation of eDNA Research: Sixteen reports labelled as “eDNA Study Reports” contained no actual eDNA data, suggesting a potential mischaracterization of research efforts.
- Questionable Diagnoses: Diagnosis of Heart and Skeletal Muscle Inflammation (HSMI) were applied without proper histopathological verification, contradicting independent expert evaluations.
- Delayed and Inconsistent Reporting: Reports were often delivered months or years after sampling, rendering them ineffective for timely decision-making.
All salmon farming in British Columbia is conducted in agreement with Rights Holder First Nations in whose territories the sector farms. Supporting wild Pacific salmon restoration efforts and local capacity building are key parts of those agreements.
“In BC, salmon farmers take fish health and environmental responsibility seriously. Every farm-raised salmon is vaccinated and tested in land-based hatcheries before being moved to ocean farms, helping protect both farm-raised and wild salmon. Independent scientists and federal agencies have consistently found that salmon farms pose only a minimal risk to wild populations,” said Kingzett. “By producing healthy, locally raised salmon, BC salmon farmers support Canada’s food security and affordability.”
ABOUT THE BC SALMON FARMERS ASSOCIATION
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.
Farm-raised salmon generates over $1.17 billion for the provincial economy, supporting 4,560 well-paid full-time 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.
BC salmon farmers are committed to reconciliation. 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.
For more information, visit bcsalmonfarmers.ca.
For a comprehensive scientific summary of salmon farming in BC, read our Modern Science Review.
MEDIA CONTACT
Michelle Franze
Manager of Communications, Partnerships and Community
michelle@bcsalmonfarmers.ca
604-202-4417