Tag Archives: Cohen Commission
B.C. fish farms: a tangled net
Industrial fish farming began in British Columbia with a few small experiments in the 1970s. By the 1990s, it was operating like a well-oiled machine: Smaller farms had been swallowed by large conglomerates, and imported Atlantic salmon had become the preferred breed — the Herefords of aquaculture.,,, So, are fish farms bad? Federal research scientist Kristi Miller says she understands the frustration of not having a definitive answer. click here to read the story 09:43
British Columbia: What is behind the sockeye salmon collapse?
The sockeye salmon run this year, is, according to Fisheries and Oceans Canada and other reputable sources, down considerably. The reason for this, depends on who you talk to. Aaron Hill, executive director of Watershed Watch Salmon Society, says part of the problem is the fisheries ministry has dragged its feet on the Cohen Commission recommendations. The Cohen Commission, created in 2009, issued a report in 2012 with 75 recommendations on how Fisheries and Oceans Canada (working with its provincial partner) could monitor and safeguard the Pacific salmon fisheries. click here to read the story 11:43
Final tab for Cohen Commission tops $37 million
The federal inquiry into B.C.’s Fraser River sockeye fishery cost at least $37.3 million, according to a public disclosure this month. That’s far higher than the $26.4-million price tag has long been associated with the 2012 report by Justice Bruce Cohen. The difference is that the lower figure reflected direct Cohen commission costs. Read more here 22:59
Salmon farmers in B.C. fish for federal legislation
The lack of a federal aquaculture act is hurting British Columbia salmon farming, and the sector as a whole in Canada, say industry leaders. “We’re the only seafood farming industry in the world that doesn’t have its own legislation,” said Ruth Salmon, the executive director of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA). Read more here 06:55
Canada – changing its laws to fit salmon farming , Alexandra Morton
The salmon farming industry in BC is on the verge of a major expansion and the federal government is changing Canada’s laws to make sure it happens.,, While there are many forms of aquaculture, the committee seems preoccupied with net pen salmon farming. Farming salmon in net pens is the problem child of aquaculture in Canada, the sqeaky wheel, with lobby presence in Ottawa. Read more here 16:27
In letter to Campbell River newspaper, Shea says DFO supports wild and farmed fish
Aquaculture is the fastest growing food production sector worldwide, now supplying over 50 percent of the global demand for fish and seafood. In Canada, aquaculture is worth over $2 billion annually and employs more than 14,000 Canadians. Read more@couriorislander 17:20
Ottawa opens door to fish farm expansion, and applications flood in
OTTAWA — The Harper government has quietly opened the door to a major expansion of B.C.’s controversial fish farm sector despite warnings by the 2012 Cohen Commission about the effects of net-based farms on wild salmon. Read more@vancouversun 12:55
Ottawa withholding reports on B.C. wild salmon
Published – Key scientific documents needed before the department of Fisheries and Oceans can implement its plan to save British Columbia’s wild salmon have been held up in Ottawa for a year. The documents, concerning sockeye conservation units on the Fraser River, were withheld from the Cohen Commission even though they were substantially ready for release at the time the federal inquiry was under way. continued
Money for aquaculture, but not wild salmon, critics note – MPs say federal budget fails to respond to Cohen report on B.C. salmon decline
Money in this year’s federal budget for aquaculture has c
ritics wondering when Ottawa plans to speak up for wild salmon on the west coast. continue reading
