B.C. salmon farmers react to Washington state ban

A spokesperson for British Columbia salmonfarmers says Washington state's ban on Atlantic salmon farming is an unfortunate response to a high-profile accident last summer in which thousands of fish escaped from an aquaculture operation there.

Washington State senators voted Friday to no longer allow commercial net-pen aquaculture for Atlantic salmon in state waters. Under the bill, current leases will be allowed to run out. The last one expires in 2025.

• Washington state senate bans Atlantic salmon farming in state waters

Jeremy Dunn, executive director of the B.C. Salmon Farmers Association, said the ban is a reaction to the escape of thousands of fish from a farm in the waters offthe San Juan Islands in August.

"We see this as an emotional response to a single mass escape at one farm," said Dunn."It's a decision that wasn't based in science."

B.C. is better

Dunn said B.C. farmers have investedin technology and equipment to reduce escapes andallfarms in the province are certified by an independent third party.

"We do things differently here in B.C."

According to Dunn, the B.C.NDPand the federal government have told local fish farmers that all regulations are based on scientific research.

"We believe that our governments will continue to makescience-baseddecisions," said Dunn.

Theprovincial governmentis currently reviewing open-net fish farm tenures in B.C.waters to assess the risk they pose for wild salmon.

"We are aware of what is happening in Washington state, which does not affect the process we are following in B.C.," said Natural Resources Minister Doug Donaldson in a statement.

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