Canada: Ottawa rejects science, betrays First Nations with aquaculture decision

Decision to shut down Discovery Islands salmon farms goes against First Nations Reconciliation, increases food costs and devastates local economies By Fabian DawsonSeaWestNews The Federal Government has ordered the shutdown of salmon farms in BC’s Discovery Islands, walking back on its commitments to respect the rights of First Nations who want the aquaculture operations in their traditional territories. The decision to close the farms in the core territories of the Laich-kwil-tach and Klahoose First Nations, commonly referred to as the Discovery Islands, was announced late yesterday in the wake of fearmongering campaigns by anti-fish farm activists to vilify BC’s salmon farmers. It was made despite the government’s own scientists producing 10 extensive peer-reviewed reports showing the marine operations have virtually no impact on wild stocks migrating through the area. Signalling their intentions to appease the activists, federal officials gave a heads up about the announcement ...