Main threats to wild salmon are changes in ocean productivity and in the capacity of watersheds to support wild salmon, report says
The interim report released June 28, 2007 by the BC Pacific Salmon Forum makes recommendations on how wild and farmed salmon can be managed sustainably and in a way that will deliver maximum benefits to BC coastal communities. According to report, the main threats to wild salmon are changes in ocean productivity and in the capacity of watersheds to support wild salmon. Click here to read the full report.
The recommendations align with those made by the BCSFA and endorsed by industry, specifically in safe guarding wild salmon; enabling the sustained growth of aquaculture; the continued funding, review and support of collaborative research on closed containment; and the promotion of BC seafood. The industry also recognizes the value of third party certification and that is why many farms have earned environmental accreditation from the internationally accredited environmental management system ISO 14001.
BC is recognized as a world leader in the production of high quality, sustainability produced salmon. BC is also known -- and respected -- for having the most stringent regulatory review of any salmon producing country in the world.
In 2006, farmed salmon sales generated $450 million, making it BC’s largest agricultural export. The BC salmon farming industry’s contribution to the economies of coastal communities is significant; with an economic output of over $800 million and total employment of over 6,000.
