WHEREAS viable wild salmon stocks are a vital component for the economic, cultural and social health of many communities in BC; AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly appointed a Special Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture on Feb. 20, 2006 to examine, inquire into and make recommendations with respect to sustainable aquaculture in BC, including the environmental impacts of the aquaculture industry in the province, and to also solicit and consider written and oral submissions from any interested person or organization; AND WHEREAS examining the economic and environmental impacts of open-net fish farms on wild salmon stocks, the marine environment and BCs coastal and isolated communities is part of the Special Committee considerations; AND WHEREAS the provincial government approved a new open-net fish farm in April 2006 while the Special Committee was in the midst of making its examination and inquiry that will lead to recommendations in its final report: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government be requested to place a moratorium on any expansion of open-net fish farming on the BC coast until the Special Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture reports to the House no later than May 31, 2007.
Ministry of Agriculture Lands The Special Legislative Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture Committee was formed earlier in 2006 to focus on salmon farming and work with the Pacific Salmon Forum and others to identify viable improvements to our aquaculture industries that balance economic goals with environmental imperatives. The Committee is to report to the Legislature no later than May 31, 2007. The Province of British Columbia Province is proceeding with caution and looks forward to receiving the recommendations of the Committee so that the Ministry can continue to improve our approach to having both farmed and wild salmon for the benefit of all British Columbians. The Province of British Columbias Province approach to aquaculture is a precautionary one based on the best science and the publics expectation that the Provinces aquaculture industry be managed in a sustainable fashion with wild stocks and the environment protected. On August 3, 2006, the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands released its 200405 Compliance and Enforcement report; it showed very high compliance within the industry, in the 90-100 per cent range. On December 6, 2006, the Ministry released its 2003-2005 Fish Health Report. It is the most comprehensive farmed fish health report ever done in North America and it shows the Provinces results-based regulatory regime is working. With further improvements each year, and a commitment to innovation, the Province will reach its goal of leading the world in sustainable environmental management, with the best air and water quality and the best fisheries management, bar none.