August 12, 2008
NANAIMO, BC – Georgia Strait Alliance (GSA) congratulates the Strathcona Regional District for joining the call to the Province of BC to fund the development of closed containment aquaculture.
At their July 31 meeting, the Strathcona Regional District passed a resolution asking "that the provincial government allocate funds toward the establishment of a closed system aquaculture innovation and development fund to assist with the implementation of a plan to transition commercial scale open net-cage fin-fish aquaculture to closed containment system aquaculture".
Georgia Strait Alliance, along with other members of the Coastal Alliance for Aquaculture Reform, have been touring with a presentation about closed containment aquaculture to generate support for the transition of the current harmful salmon farming practices to closed system aquaculture technology.
"We are pleased that the Strathcona Regional District, where many of BCs open net-cage salmon farms operate, recognizes the damage being done to the ocean ecosystem and is supporting a plan that will protect the wild salmon as well as enhance local economies ", said Ruby Berry, Salmon Aquaculture Program Director. "We are encouraging other regional districts and municipalities to add their support."
To view the Strathcona Regional District resolution, please visit their website.
Georgia Strait Alliance is the only citizens’ group working solely to protect and restore the marine environment and promote the sustainability of Georgia Strait, its adjoining waters and communities.
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Ruby Berry, Salmon Aquaculture Program Director, (250) 218-6818, ruby@georgiastrait.org
Michelle Young, Salmon Aquaculture Campaigner, (250) 757-8464, michelle@georgiastrait.org