According to a recent statement, in the issue concerning salmon farms, sea lice, and wild salmon in the Broughton Archipelago, the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has undertaken extensive research, both in the field and the laboratory.
The department also welcomes independent scientific research into the potential impacts of sea lice and the interactions of wild and farmed salmon. Some recent papers have, however, generated media reports stating that sea lice produced from salmon farms are a major cause of losses in wild salmon populations.
The stamenet says that the DFO has obtained comprehensive data from the Broughton Archipelago over four years of sampling juvenile salmon and sea lice infections and fish health, plus monitoring annual returns of adult salmon. The DFO advises us to see the backgrounder entitled, "2003-2005 Results" (http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/comm/pages/release/bckgrnd/2005/bg012a_e.htm) that compares sea lice levels on pink and chum salmon in the Broughton Archipelago and Knight Inlet during this time period. In 2006, DFO's sampling shows that sea lice infections on wild salmon in the Broughton Archipelago are the lowest since observations began in 2002.
Laboratory studies have assessed the impact of sea lice infection and survival of small pink and chum salmon. Comparison of juvenile pink and chum salmon infected and non-infected with sea lice in 2003 and 2004 indicated no significant differences in health or size of the sampled fish.
DFO research does not support the close association between salmon farms, sea lice, and loss of wild salmon reported by others.
For more information, please follow this link:
http://www-sci.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/sealice/statement_e.htm
