Salmon farmers demonstrate environmental, social commitment
November 10, 2015
By Erich Luening
The BC Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA) launched their inaugural Sustainability Progress Report at the recent Global Aquaculture Alliance GOAL conference, at Vancouver, BC, Canada.
“This past year the industry has advanced its commitments to marine research,” said Don Noakes, Dean of the Science and Technology at Vancouver Island University and Chair of an independent Science Advisory Council leading the industry’s Marine Environmental Research Program. “First by completing a series of workshops that identified areas of priority, and second by appointing an independent Science Advisory Council and committing $1.5-million over the next five years to fund research the Council believes is relevant to furthering our understanding of the marine environment. And now they have collectively launched their inaugural Sustainability Progress Report.”
The report focuses on the industry’s environmental and social sustainability commitments and provides updates on issues of public interest.
A report highlight is the seven fold decrease in antibiotic use, current use is approximately 50 grams of antibiotic prescribed per tonne of production compared to the 170 grams used per tonne of production in BC’s livestock industries in 2012. Also reported is the ongoing work to replace marine oil and protein sources with plant and animal sources which has resulted in less than 18% fishmeal and oil in feed and the proactive measures in sea lice management over the past 10 years.
Community activities reported include partnerships within communities, specifically the 19 economic and social partnerships with First Nations and the donation of $600,000 in 2013 to various community organizations and causes.
BCSFA Executive Director Jeremy Dunn says the commitment towards sustainability is a progressive journey.
“All of the issues have not been solved, but the resolve and commitment to get there is genuine,” says Dunn. “Working together within operating communities, with First Nations, and with the global research and scientific community, our progress will continue.”
The full report can be accessed at www.BCSalmonFarmers.ca.
