BC Southern Interior MP Alex Atamenko, in support of BC’s wild salmon, encourages readers to view the following press release, as well as this Globe and Mail article.
OTTAWA – Canadian film and television icon William Shatner has thrown his support behind New Democrat Fisheries and Oceans Critic Fin Donnelly’s efforts to save British Columbia’s wild salmon.
“West Coast wild salmon are part of the Canadian fabric, but they are in serious trouble,” Shatner said in a press conference today. “They face many threats, including sea lice from fish farms. The federal government can’t continue to ignore the plight of wild salmon. We must do everything possible to ensure these magnificent creatures are protected, and Fin Donnelly’s proposed legislation helps do that.”
“I’m thrilled to be working with Mr. Shatner,” said Donnelly. “He has been a vocal wild salmon advocate and his support demonstrates interest to see the federal government step up and deal with the threats to wild salmon before it is too late.”
The federal government will assume responsibility for the management and regulation of aquaculture in the Pacific region later this year.
A significant problem facing wild salmon is open-net fish farming. This practice allows large amounts of fish feces to pollute the sea floor and increases the problem of parasitic sea lice, which has a negative impact on migrating wild salmon.
To address this problem, Donnelly introduced Bill C-518, a private member’s bill, which would amend the Fisheries Act by requiring West Coast fish farm operators to transition to closed-containment systems within five years of the bill becoming law. Once law, the bill would also require the federal fisheries minister to develop, table and implement a transition plan within 18 months and all jobs in the industry would need to be protected during the transition.
“This is a very practical step the federal government can take to protect one of the most valuable wild fisheries left on earth,” said salmon activist and biologist Alexandra Morton. “I applaud William Shatner and Fin Donnelly for their astute leadership on this issue. I hope the government is listening.”
“Salmon are integral to many First Nation cultures and traditions,” said Chief Robert Chamberlin of the Ah-Kwa-Mish First Nation. “It is time to err on the side of caution and move to closed containment. If the minister won’t do this, then she should step aside and let someone else who can take over.”
New Democrats believe environmental protection is an essential part of economic prosperity. “In fact, British Columbia’s and indeed Canada’s well-being depends on it,” said Donnelly.