Organic salmon being pursued in British Columbia
A workshop was arranged some time ago to discuss the establishment of organic standards for farmed salmon in British Columbia. Organized by the Certified Organic Associations of BC (COABC), the meeting drew a mixture of salmon feed producers, fish farmers and environmental group representatives.
Some of the questions arising from the workshop were;
- How can organic standards prevent disease/parasite transfer to wild stock?
- Shouldn't we worry about releasing fish waste into the ocean?
- Can fish feed be 100% organic?
- Shouldn't we be worried about contaminants in the marine environment?
- Aren't farmed salmon contaminated with PCB's?
- Why are farmed fish fed substances to enhance their colour?
- Don't some First Nations oppose salmon farms in their traditional territories?
- Should only landlocked ("closed containment") salmon be certifiable?
All of the issues raised are currently addressed by government regulations or international conventions.
The B.C. aquaculture industry is looking into other certifying bodies, while the environmental community is demanding extensive public consultation on any new, proposed standards contemplated by the COABC..
