Kahtou 0004
Sept. 2000

VICTORIA - Measures in response to recent losses from B.C. salmon farms were announced today by Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister Corky Evans, including requiring all farms to provide interim escape management plans within 60 days.

"Last fall we made it clear that B.C. expects salmon farmers to end losses of farm fish," said Evans. "Although the great majority of salmon farmers are meeting this goal, recent losses from some farms show we need immediate measures and effective long-term regulation."

"B.C.'s rich marine environment must be protected," said Environment, Lands and Parks Minister Joan Sawicki. "We are strengthening environmental standards for salmon farms and we are encouraging new green technologies to help our salmon fishery remain sustainable." Immediate actions being taken are: * All operators will be required to submit mandatory interim escape prevention and response plans within 60 days. * Evans has directed ministry staff to begin random audits of all aquaculture operations in B.C. to review escape prevention procedures and encourage improved performance. * Once the investigation of the recent escape from Stolt Seafarms is complete, the report will be reviewed to determine whether reasonable precautions have been taken and consider whether sanctions or penalties are required. * The results of the Stolt investigation and audit will be made public. * Evans has directed his staff to expand the scope of stream surveys looking for Atlantic salmon in co-operation with industry and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. * Ministry staff will meet in early September with their counterparts in Washington State to pursue joint action to prevent the loss of farmed fish. * Federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Herb Dhaliwal has agreed to work with the province to authorize the speedy recapture of escaped fish. . * Evans will ask the federal fisheries minister to direct the recently announced federal research and development funds towards preventing fish losses and related environmental issues.

The province will develop legislation, regulation and standards to address escapes in consultation with the salmon aquaculture implementation advisory committee this fall. Staff will also announce the successful applicants for marine pilot projects representing the cutting edge of environmentally sustainable aquaculture. These projects all incorporate escape prevention as well as other green technologies.

B.C.'s salmon aquaculture policy is designed to establish tough new environmental standards while bringing greater certainty to the existing salmon farming industry and recognizing the important economic opportunities it provides in bringing stability to coastal communities.

"We want to have the best salmon aquaculture industry standards in the world," said Evans "We have already accomplished much towards eliminating escapes, but we need to do more. We can only reach our goal if everyone in industry, rural communities, environmentalists, First Nations and government work together to promote the highest environmental standards. We should accept nothing less."