The Government of Canada has committed to transitioning from open-net pen aquaculture in British Columbia by 2025.
Throughout February and March, Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister [of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard] and MP for Burnaby North-Seymour will be holding virtual sessions with First Nations in British Columbia, the aquaculture industry, environmental stakeholders and other interested parties to hear their perspectives on this initiative.
Parliamentary Secretary Beech said that the aquaculture sector is important to the economy, workforce and sustainability of coastal communities in British Columbia. “The transition from open-net pens will make this vital industry more sustainable and more prosperous in the long-term,” he said.
“I look forward to collaborating with Indigenous communities, the Government of British Columbia, industry members, scientists and other partners to determine the best path forward,” he added.
The initiative builds on work already completed and will complement the government’s Wild Salmon Policy Implementation Plan, an action plan that builds on 13 years of work to protect and restore salmon populations.
Those unable to attend the sessions can have their opinions heard through online submissions. This includes members of the public who have until 26 March 2020 to share their views with the government by responding online to key questions.
“As we strengthen Canada’s sustainable blue economy, British Columbia’s aquaculture sector will have a key role to play," said Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.
"To ensure that we grow this sector in way that works best for environment and the people of this region, we’re working closely First Nations, industry, scientists, governments of all levels, and other key stakeholders. This is about partnership – it’s only through collaboration with experts and those on the ground that we build a stronger, more sustainable aquaculture sector for the long-term.”
