Moratorium upheld on fish farms
George T. Baker
January 29, 2010
Prince Rupert Daily News
A BC Supreme Court Judge has ruled that there can be no expansion of fish farms in the province.
At least not until the federal government assesses and assumes control of the aquaculture industry.
Justice Christopher Hinkson forbade any expansion in a ruling Wednesday. The decision would allow Fisheries and Oceans Canada to overtake the regulation of the industry, which is currently run through the provincial Ministry of Agriculture and Lands.
Hinkson also recognized the First Nation interest in this matter by granting the Musgamagw-Tsawataineuk Tribal Council intervenor status, which is considered essential because this case is based in their territory.
“That’s good news,” said United Fishermen and Allied Workers Union North Coast representative Joy Thorkelsen.
“It’s good because the DFO has been going around holding consultations on the South Coast about what is good about oceans legislation and what is poor about oceans legislation, and should we have fish farms or not.”
Fish farms have been one of the unifying issues that has brought conservation groups and commercial fishermen together, as they teamed up to fight against the advent of finfish aquaculture on the North Coast.
Posted January 29th, 2010
