In September 2024, the Canadian government unveiled a draft of the Salmon Aquaculture Transition Plan for British Columbia (BC), a bold initiative aimed at banning open net-pen salmon aquaculture in BC’s coastal waters by 30 June, 2029. This plan, intended to “transform the marine salmon aquaculture sector in BC,” mandates that all new salmon farming licenses adopt closed containment technology and other forms of aquaculture.
The proposal has sparked a strong backlash from BC salmon farmers, who view the timeline as impractical and harmful to their sector. They warn that the ban could devastate rural coastal communities, undermine partnerships with First Nations, and disrupt the Canadian food supply chain.
The Transition Plan focuses on safeguarding ecosystems and preserving wild Pacific salmon. Over the past five years, the Government of Canada has committed $686 million to the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative, reinforcing its dedication to rebuilding and protecting wild Pacific salmon stocks.
The effect on Canadian food production
The sector has already experienced a 45 percent decline in the last six years, causing large gaps in Canadian food supply, says Michelle Franze, Manager of Communications, Partnerships and Community for BC Salmon Farmers Association, and Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Young Salmon Farmers of BC (YSFBC). The result has been an increase in imports of farm-raised salmon from other countries.
“During 2024, reductions in BC-farmed salmon have resulted in imports worth approximately CDN $20 Million per month into Canada at the expense of local jobs and climate goals. The climate impacts of air freight imports of salmon from northern Europe and the southern regions of South America equals the carbon footprint of adding about 84,000 cars to Canadian roads“ says Ms Franze.
“The ban will result in the additional loss of about 50,000 tonnes of farm-raised salmon annually” she continues. Reliance on foreign imports is expected to rise, whilst the annual loss in their economy is expected to be $1.17 billion ($435 million in GDP), including $133.6 million to First Nations and the loss of 4560 full-time jobs.
Salmon farmers and First Nations alternative
BC Salmon farmers believe pushing for these unproven technologies in such a short time frame is detrimental to the industry, and future solutions must be tailored to unique coastal characteristics and aligned with the goals of the rightsholder First Nations who host salmon farms in their territories.
“Salmon farmers, in partnership with First Nations in whose territories it operates, can achieve the desired outcomes of the ban by further reducing the potential interactions between farmed-raised and wild Pacific salmon over time using alternative innovations and technologies.” says Ms Franze.
Referring to the report commissioned by BC Salmon Farmers Association and written by RIAS Inc in November 2024, Dallas Smith, spokesperson of First Nations for Finfish Stewardship and member of the Tlowitsis Nation, pointed out that the estimated cost for taxpayers should this 5-year transition take place as suggested, would be $9 billion. In the press conference, Mr Smith discusses the dangerous precedent it sets for the rights of First Nations in BC, and how the ban will affect all Canadians as the cost of salmon will inevitably go up.
BC Salmon farmers emphasised that their alternative plans suggested would be more economically beneficial and minimise the damage that the Governments transition plan would cause.
“Under a responsible plan put forward by BC salmon farmers and First Nations, the sector could generate $2.5 billion in economic output, $930 million in GDP, and 9,000 jobs paying $560 million in wages annually by 2030 and $4.2 billion in output by 2040. This would create an opportunity for British Columbia through alternative solutions while minimizing damage to coastal communities and protecting wild Pacific salmon.” says Ms Franze.
Licence renewals to support the transition
The department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has stated that the license renewals renewed by the Fisheries and Oceans Canada for five years will support the responsible transition away from open-net aquaculture.
“Renewing licence’s allows the industry to continue operating with certainty while allowing the necessary time to adjust to new requirements. The renewed licences include stricter conditions to increase protection for wild salmon. This includes improvements in management of sea lice treatments and other administrative improvements, such as increased monitoring and reporting.” they emphasize.
A final transition plan
The final plan is to be announced in 2025, as the government is still consulting on the plan, which will include more specific details, on government support to the sector in this transition.
