BC Salmon Farmers Association report finds Canada’s net pen ban could cost country CAD 9 billion

A recently released economic impact report, commissioned by the British Columbia Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA) found a proposed ban on net-pen salmon farming in British Columbia, Canada, would result in at least CAD 9 billion (USD 6.4 billion, EUR 6.1 billion) in “unnecessary costs” for Canadian taxpayers. Canada renewed salmon-farming licenses in B.C. in June, effectively setting a five-year time limit on the industry in the province. The Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) later released its draft salmon aquaculture transition plan in September, which outlined how the government will support the industry and the people and communities affected by its loss.“These conditions will strengthen protections for wild species and the marine environment while ensuring aquaculture facilities can operate safely during this transition period,” the DFO said in its transition plan. BCSFA has long opposed the transition plan, which it said sets an unrealistic time period for ...