B.C.First Nation scores against salmon farms

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Written by Tim Wednesday, 25 November 2009 12:21

Flotsam & Jetsam Blog - Category: Destinations

It's one small step in the fight against salmon farming in British Columbia.

The Kwicksutaineuk/Ah-Kwa-Mish First Nation (KAFN) of Alert Bay, B.C., is located in the Broughton Archipelago, a popular sea kayaking destination near northern Vancouver Island.

Last February, the KAFN launched a Class Action lawsuit concerning the B.C. Government's regulation of open net-cage salmon farms in their territory.

They scored a small victory last week when the courts dismissed motions by the B.C. Government that would have signficantly delayed the case.

So the battle continues.

KAFN Chief Bob Chamberlin said,

"The efforts of the B.C. Government had real potential to increase the damage to the salmon by delaying consideration of the merits of our case. It is a great relief to be on track to seek certification as a class action in early January 2010."

The KAFN filed the lawsuit to address the negative impacts of open net-cage salmon farming and the decline in the wild salmon population in their traditional territory.

This is the formerly salmon-rich area of mainland coast, islands and bays east of the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Currently, 29 fish farms are authorized by the B.C. Government to operate in the area.

The KAFN contends that these fish farms are licensed and regulated in a manner that has significant negative impacts on wild salmon stocks.

You can read the full press release here.