Blood water discharges from an effluent pipe at Browns Bay Packing Company near Campbell River. The company processes farmed Atlantic salmon, and wild salmon advocates fear it will spread a highly contagious virus to wild stocks. Photograph By TAVISH CAMPBELL
The province is tightening rules on the fish-farming industry, after images of “blood water” were captured billowing from a processing plant into the ocean near Campbell River.
It is also reviewing whether treatments for sea lice are scientifically supported and consistent with best practices in other jurisdictions.
“Serious and widespread concerns about effluent from fish-processing operations and finfish aquaculture practices have been raised, and the government is taking action,” Environment Minister George Heyman said in a statement.
The review of fish-processing plants will ensure the waste materials they produce don’t contain contaminants or pathogens that affect wild-salmon stocks, he said. It will also ensure provincial regulations and permits are informed by the best-available science and best practices from other jurisdictions.
Industry, First Nations and local communities will be consulted.
“Our bottom line is to make sure that we protect our wild salmon and keep harmful substances from entering the marine environment as a result of these operations,” Heyman said.
The sea-lice review could result in changes to the Integrated Pest Management Regulation.
asmart@timescolonist.com
