This map shows the proposed locations for two new large salmon farms Grieg Seafoods has put forward: Gunner Point and Yorke Island. Due to strong opposition, Yorke Island was rejected at the municipal level. However, it is possible that the Yorke Island farm could proceed as the Province can override local government decisions.

A proposal by Greig Seafood to put in a massive new salmon farm along a migratory route in the Johnstone Strait is awaiting approval by the Strathcona Regional District. In an area already full of net-cage salmon farms, wild salmon can't afford to face another farm spreading disease, parasites and waste.

The most recent science suggests that both local and Fraser River sockeye are being infected with sea lice transferred from farmed salmon in net-cages in this area. The recent Fraser River sockeye collapse signals the urgent need to begin phasing out open net cage salmon farming – not adding a massive new one to the area!

The new farm would add 4,400 metric tonnes of farmed salmon production in an area that is already one of the highest density salmon farming regions in BC.

This isn't the first time Greig Seafood has applied for zoning of open net-cage salmon farms in this area. In 2006, they proposed farms at the same sites but the zoning was denied, thanks in part to the strong opposition of the Georgia Strait Alliance, CAAR, and all our supporters! British Columbians must stand up and let industry and government know enough is enough. Salmon farming in British Columbia can only move forward using sustainable practices.

Take action! Click here to send a fax to the federal and provincial governments demanding that the application for the Gunner Point salmon farm be denied and investment in the development of closed containment aquaculture move forward.

For more information:

Contact: michelle@georgiastrait.org

Read the Georgia Strait Alliance's submission to the April 14, 2009 hearing committee.

Read all submissions to the April 14, 2009 hearing committee.

Find out about coastwide net-cage expansion and help stop it!