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Suzuki quits

Odd Grydeland
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Opinion

Odd Grydeland

A few years ago it was another extremist environmentalist that quit because of restrictions on her ability to continue her campaign using what many considered to be inaccurate or unprofessional information. Well-known anti-salmon farming activist Alexandra Morton left the Coastal Alliance for Aquaculture Reform (CAAR) after the environmental group negotiated a Framework for Dialogue that was signed with the salmon farming company Marine Harvest Canada (MHC) in January, 2006. The parties seemed to take a proactive approach to the long-lasting oppositional position that had dominated the debate about salmon farming in B.C., exemplified among else by the mutual agreement to support the establishment of a new salmon farm site in Tribune Channel in the Broughton Archipelago in order to facilitate the fallowing of alternate out-migration routes for juvenile (mainly pink) salmon without any reduction of production of farmed salmon in the general area. (Ms Morton told FishfarmingXpert that this action was the reason for her leaving CAAR.)

In a Pink Salmon Update Bulletin issued by the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans in September last year (2011), the agency states among else that; The odd year cycle-line of pink salmon has continued to demonstrate an improving trend over the last few generations for all stocks in the area (Mainland Inlets near the Broughton Archipelago). The strong returns in 2009 indicated improved marine conditions attributing to better survivals for the fry that out-migrated in 2008. (Even year runs of pink salmon have been low in recent years.)

The Framework between CAAR and MHC was intended to;

  • Support constructive, efficient, interest-based results that address the needs of both MHC and CAAR;
  • Increase knowledge with respect to environmental, social and economic factors associated with salmon farming;
  • Reduce conflict associated with MHC’s salmon farming; and
  • Direct change to current practices where best available information demonstrates there are impacts to the environment and wild salmon as a result of current practices;

The document including a section on Guiding Principles for Dialogue;

The Framework sets out a number of principles CAAR and MHC agree will govern their ongoing dialogue (e.g. interest based dialogue, respectful dialogue, both parties having access to information in a timely and transparent manner, willingness to change perspectives based on new information etc).

The sections of the document that likely were the most problematic for Ms. Morton were those relating to a commitment of professionalism with respect to communication, including;

  • The Framework provides that CAAR will not directly target MHC or its products in the local, national and international market campaigns and that MHC will communicate with CAAR on an ongoing basis regarding any new tenure applications, relocations, or siting requests 
  • The Framework provides that discussion, dialogue and decisions need to be informed by best available information (i.e. information that is peer reviewed, research that is undertaken collaboratively, and documented local knowledge).

Last week on Friday the 13th, the famous environmentalist David Suzuki stepped down from his foundation after the federal government promised to clamp down on so-called “charitable” organizations like the David Suzuki Foundation over allegations that they have abused their tax-exemption status by carrying on political activism in excess of the rules for such “charities”. Dr. Suzuki is also well known for his anti-salmon farming rhetoric, highlighted by his public comment that he wouldn’t feed his kids farmed salmon- “it’s poison”.  While Suzuki no doubt has done much good for the public knowledge of genuine environmental issues through his weekly hour-long television program, his unprofessional handling of salmon farming has no doubt been one of the contributing factors why the organization he founded is now under the scrutiny of government, and why its funding may soon dry up in favour of more professional environmental groups.

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