Policy Reform

CAAR’s Government Relations team works to foster change in government policy and advocates for a shift to closed containment technology for salmon aquaculture. We work with government scientists and officials, as well as industry representatives to advocate for reforms to policy and practices in order to achieve:

  1. Protection of wild salmon, BC’s marine environment and coastal communities.
  2. The development of a sustainable aquaculture industry that contributes to the economy of BC and Canada without risking ecosystem health.

History

Many organizations (including two current CAAR member groups) have been working on salmon aquaculture issues since the late 80s and early 90s.

Since CAAR’s formation in 2001, member organizations have worked through Provincial processes, dialogue and engagement to pursue fundamental changes in salmon aquaculture management in BC, while vigorously campaigning publicly to increase awareness of the issues and to advocate for change.

CAAR member groups have participated in:

  • the Gillespie Inquiry (1986)
  • the B.C. Ombudsman’s inquiry (1988)
  • the Salmon Aquaculture Review (1995)
  • the BC Aquaculture Research and Development Council (BCARDC) (2001)
  • the Leggatt Inquiry (2001)
  • the Special Legislative Committee Hearings on Sustainable Aquaculture (2007)
  • Pacific Salmon Forum consultations
  • dialogue processes involving industry, First Nations, the Provincial government
  • supporting a $2.4 million dollar grant by Sustainable Technology Development Canada to the AgriMarine floating closed tank farm on Vancouver Island

Throughout, CAAR and member organizations have offered both rigorous scientific analysis and locally-observed & documented information regarding the numerous problems associated with open net-cage salmon farming and have urged policy initiatives and solutions that would maintain aquaculture jobs while protecting BC’s marine health and wild salmon.

Moving Forward

We continue to advocate for further federal funding (in addition to provincial and private contributions), tax shifting and incentives to assist in a complete transition to closed containment salmon farming on the BC coast.

CAAR believes our government and citizens can demonstrate to the world that BC is advancing technological innovation and securing economic opportunity in aquaculture while still accepting responsibility for the health of our environment and the future of our wild salmon.

Take Action

Investment and support on the part of government is an essential requirement, as is the case with most emerging green technologies, to fully establish a closed containment aquaculture industry. Contact your MLA or federal MP today to ask that development funds be allocated to closed containment technology.