May 17, 2007

Canada's British Columbia awaits verdict on salmon industry

A British Columbia government committee report due to be out soon is likely to draw sharp criticism as it would recommend placing a moratorium on salmon farm development in the North and South coasts and closed-system farming.

The report, which took 18 months to prepare, would likely recommend the government require all new and existing farms to use the closed containment system by 2010.

If the recommendation is accepted, British Columbia would be the first in the world to require closed systems technology for ocean farms.

Closed pens are endorsed by environmental groups as it was believed to be able to limit escapes, prevent large waste accumulations and sea lice transmissions.

While environmental groups want these systems to be implemented, farmers say such systems would cost too much to be commercially viable and spell the end of the salmon industry.