A hereditary chief from the Ahousaht Nation is urging the Canadian government to reverse its decision to prohibit open-net fish farms along the British Columbia coast. Originally slated for 2025, the ban was postponed to June 2029 following pressure from environmentalists and numerous First Nations groups concerned about the potential transmission of diseases from fish farms to wild salmon populations.
hasheukumiss, a hereditary chief representing Ahousaht’s economic development organization, emphasized the benefits the nation derives from having 12 fish farms operated by Cermaq, a Norwegian aquaculture company, in their waters near Tofino on Vancouver Island’s west coast. The Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society (MHSS), responsible for economic development, has a protocol agreement with Cermaq that dictates the company’s operations. This partnership not only provides financial support to invest in community projects but also employs around 50 Ahousaht members.
hasheukumiss highlighted efforts to reduce sea lice and pathogens on the farmed fish by collaborating with Cermaq on stringent protocols. Recent advancements in technology allowed them to successfully lower sea lice levels below the set thresholds by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, showcasing the positive outcomes of indigenous involvement in monitoring procedures.
While hasheukumiss expressed concerns that the government’s ban would infringe on their rights to manage their lands and people, Bob (Galagame’) Chamberlin, head of the First Nation Wild Salmon Alliance, opposed fish farms, citing scientific evidence of their detrimental effects on wild salmon. Chamberlin pointed to the increased sockeye salmon return to the Fraser River this year, attributing it to the removal of some farms on Vancouver Island’s east side.
Despite differing opinions, Fisheries and Oceans Canada remains committed to phasing out open-net fish farms by 2029, emphasizing collaboration with the province, First Nations, and industry to support sustainable aquaculture practices.