Protecting Local Waterways Wild Fish Species

Whereas British Columbias coastal communities rely on healthy waterways and healthy marine ecosystems including fisheries for economic, social and ecological wellbeing; And whereas the proliferation of open-net fish farms with non-native fish species threatens local waterways and wild fish species, undermining the economic, social and ecological wellbeing of local communities, and noting that many open-net fish farms have been established in indigenous territories in the absence of adequate consultation with indigenous governments, undermining the shared objective of reconciliation and respectful relations between indigenous and non-indigenous governments: Therefore be it resolved that the Province of British Columbia decline any further permits for open-net aquaculture and phase out existing open-net operations, transitioning the industry to closed-containment aquaculture with a just transition for affected workers and adequate consultation with indigenous governments.