It’s time to end the pens in BC
During the 2019 federal election, Prime Minister Trudeau pledged to transition away from open-net pen salmon farms by 2025. At the end of this month, all 85 fish farm licenses in BC will expire. However, the public is left in the dark as the federal government has yet to announce whether they will honour their promise.
As the deadline looms, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the federal government have been sending mixed signals. In April, Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier said that no aquaculture facilities will be forced to close in 2025. Meanwhile, the spokesperson for DFO said the government has yet to make a decision on the 66 fish farm licenses seeking renewals.
“The time for bold action to protect wild salmon is here, and it’s now,” says Bob Chamberlin, Chair – FNWSA.
Wild Pacific salmon can’t wait. It’s time to take action and #endthepens in BC.