BC salmon shutdown won't protect wild fish, say Coastal First Nations
Claims by other Nations disregard established western and Indigenous science and trample over indigenous rights, says pro-farming coalition
Coastal First Nations in British Columbia that rely on open-net pen salmon farming for income and jobs have rejected assertions by other First Nations that a blanket ban on existing salmon aquaculture operations in BC is necessary to protect wild salmon.
The Coalition of First Nations for Finfish Stewardship (FNFFS) was responding to a statement by the First Nation Wild Salmon Alliance (FNWSA), which supports a Canadian government diktat to remove net pens from BC waters by mid-2029.
FNFFS said claims that the removal would protect wild salmon “categorically disregard established science, both western and Indigenous, as well as coastal Nations’ right and title to make decisions about stewardship, food production and economic opportunity within their territories”.
Meeting Ottawa's aims
The decision to end open-net pen salmon farming in BC was made by the administration of former Liberal leader and prime minister Justin Trudeau, who was replaced in both posts in March last year by former Bank of England governor Mark Carney.
The Prime Minister emphasised that conservation and economic development can advance together through strong science, safeguards and Indigenous partnership. Member Nations of the Coalition are doing that work every day.
“In his September 29 announcement regarding ocean protection in British Columbia, the Prime Minister emphasised that conservation and economic development can advance together through strong science, safeguards and Indigenous partnership,” said FNFFS.
“Member Nations of the Coalition are doing that work every day and reject any suggestion that participation in salmon aquaculture means a Nation is indifferent to wild Pacific salmon protection.”
In May, six First Nations including the salmon farming Kitasoo/Xai’xais Nation, signed an agreement with the BC government and the federal government to establish a National Marine Conservation Area Reserve (NMCAR) on the Central Coast of British Columbia. An Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) was simultaneously declared by the signatory Nations.
FNFFS said the participation of the Kitasoo/Xai’xais, who live in remote Klemtu, 500 miles north of Vancouver, “demonstrates that choosing salmon aquaculture does not mean stepping away from conservation responsibilities”.
Job losses
The Coaltion, which has written an open letter to Carney, added that the Kitasoo/Xai’xais leaders are already witnessing job losses affecting families and local businesses, and growing pressure on community services as aquaculture operations begin scaling back.
“These impacts are being seen in communities up and down the coast and will only worsen if the 2029 ban remains in place. For many remote coastal communities, salmon aquaculture provides year-round employment, own-source revenue, and funding for housing, health, wellness, and family supports.”
FNFFS pointed out that across Canada, First Nations are being encouraged to pursue own-source revenue streams by participation in major projects as owners, investors and decision-makers, but salmon aquaculture was being treated differently to oil and gas or forestry.
“Whether in oil and gas, forestry or salmon aquaculture industries, First Nations are building environmental protection and economic opportunity together, guided by their own knowledge, priorities and stewardship. Coastal Nations choosing salmon aquaculture deserve the same commitment to economic reconciliation,” stated FNFFS.
“The Coalition once again calls on Ottawa to engage directly with Rights Holders, reverse the 2029 open-net pen ban and allow a responsible, Indigenous-led aquaculture sector along BC’s coast to continue supporting rural and remote coastal communities, strengthening Canadian food sovereignty, attracting direct investment in Canada’s economy and protecting our oceans for future generations.”
An avoidable crisis
Isaiah Robinson, elected deputy chief councillor of the Kitasoo/Xai’xais Nation and FNFFS spokesperson, said revenue from salmon aquaculture funds desperately needed new housing opportunities, child and family services, and mental health services in Klemtu.
“Without this revenue, the demand on these services will continue to increase while the revenue to support them will dry up. These salmon aquaculture jobs are year-round, family-supporting jobs that cannot be replaced in many instances, because we are remote, rural coastal communities with unique skill sets.
“Let me be clear: this is a crisis - an avoidable crisis. An urgent and clear signal from the Government of Canada to reverse the open-net-pen ban will enable businesses and First Nations to unlock over CAD 1 billion in new investments along the coast of British Columbia.”
Roxanne Robinson, hereditary chief and elected councillor of the Kitasoo/Xai’xais, said the issue was about whether First Nations have the right to make decisions about economic development in their territories.
“It is our right, and we ask that you respect the decision we have made to support salmon aquaculture in the best interests of our people and our Nation.”
Atlantic salmon farming in BC is carried out by Mowi Canada West and Cermaq Canada in agreement with the First Nations who allow it in their traditional territories.
