A draft plan has been published by the Government of Canada outlining the transition of the salmon farming industry in British Columbia (BC) away from open net pens to closed containment and other land-based production systems.
With the decision taken last year to phase out net-pen farming by 30 June 2029, the “Salmon Aquaculture Transition Plan for British Columbia” lays out what the government said is “a responsible approach to transform the marine salmon aquaculture sector in BC, while working with First Nations, workers, communities, and Canadians throughout the transition”.
The new plan outlines a path forward in four key areas:
- Support for First Nations, workers, and communities through this transition
- Identifying economic supports for the adoption of innovative and clean aquaculture technology
- Milestones, principles, and criteria for the phase down of salmon open net-pen aquaculture
- Management of open net-pen salmon aquaculture until the ban is fully implemented
Its aim, the government said in a statement, is to enhance food security for Canadians by promoting the production of healthy, nutritious and local food through the use of innovative and clean technologies that generate new business opportunities.
“Innovation, coupled with traditional knowledge and practices, will need to be supported by strategic interventions from all levels of government working together. This will foster the growth and development of a sustainable and innovative aquaculture sector while supporting coastal communities and First Nations,” it said, adding that the plan “builds upon and nests within a broad framework of collaborative efforts” to conserve and rebuild wild Pacific salmon populations.
Over the past five years, the Government of Canada has invested CAD 686 million in the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative. This year, a “Trilateral Declaration and Accord to Address the Decline of Wild Pacific Salmon” was signed, committing federal, provincial, and First Nations governments to work together on joint efforts related to wild salmon.
According to the government, continued engagement will inform the transition plan implementation and provide opportunities for those most impacted by the transition to shape what is needed to achieve success.
“Through collaboration, the Government of Canada is optimistic that innovation and dedication to environmental values will facilitate a responsible and successful transition. The transition plan will honour cultural values, uphold rights, mitigate economic risks, and embrace collaborative solutions. It paves the way for a transition that benefits all – both present and future generations,” it said.
As part of a “whole government approach” to this plan, multiple government departments and agencies will play key roles. Consultation and engagement will be led by an interdepartmental task force, comprised of expertise from across the government in reconciliation, economic and community development, green technology, innovation and aquaculture management.
It is also advised that the Government of British Columbia will be invited to collaborate with the federal government and participate in a joint Federal-Provincial working group to review and expedite requests for new licences.
First Nations will be supported in their engagement, allowing them to articulate and customise the way in which they interact with the overarching Transition Plan, based on their unique situations and experience.
Coastal communities will be engaged to discuss their participation in the whole-of-government response.
