Science

The Science Committee of CAAR provides technical support and science advice to CAAR member groups. The Committee ensures that the latest scientific information on salmon farming reaches the media, public and government, liaises with academics on salmon farming and conservation issues, and ensures that valuable, original research is publicized and supported—both financially and logistically. Members of the Science Committee also conduct research, publish results in peer-reviewed journals, and organize and participate in academic workshops on farmed and wild salmon. Member groups also produce reports, such as Sea Lice and Wild Salmon: Elevating the dialogue on the farmed-wild salmon story and Possible Factors Contributing to the Low Productivity of the 2000 Broad Year Pink Salmon, and provide a wide range of public presentations on the latest science related to salmon farming.

In the coming year, the Science Committee will continue this work as well as developing new outreach material, a number of new scientific papers, and scientific and technical outreach material for First Nations.

CAAR and Marine Harvest Canada:
Moving Forward on Joint Research 

Frustrated with the ongoing conflict over the impacts of salmon farming and the continued polarized public debate, in January, 2006 the Coastal Alliance for Aquaculture Reform and Marine Harvest Canada completed a "Framework for Dialogue". The intent of the dialogue since its inception has been to foster collaborative efforts toward resolving the contentious issues surrounding open net-cage salmon farming.  

Establishing a foundation for dialogue was the first step in the process. This fall another critical milestone has been reached. After a long and arduous negotiation, CAAR and Marine Harvest Canada have finalized Request for Proposals (RFP) for the two main sea lice research questions defined in our Framework agreement. CAAR members worked hard to ensure the research proposals were designed to set a sound foundation for collaborative research that will put to rest the polarized discussion of sea lice impacts on BC wild salmon.

The first RFP is seeking research on morbidity and mortality impacts from sea lice on small juvenile salmon, including a field and laboratory component.  The second RFP looks at identifying the source of sea lice on wild juveniles through a sentinel cage study, coupled with further methodologies to trace the source of lice. The RFPs are now being circulated to the scientific community in order to ensure research will be underway in spring 2008.

The agreement on RFPs between industry and CAAR members is a moment to celebrate; however, much work remains to achieve a collaborative research project?the selection of the research teams, securing funding, and mutual agreement on the final research design. As part of the Framework, CAAR and Marine Harvest Canada are also working on collaborative research that explores the viability of closed tank systems.

 While these negotiations remain challenging, CAAR hopes that this collaborative effort will continue to progress and will make a substantial contribution towards long term solutions that will enhance the sustainability of salmon farming on the BC coast.