CAMPBELL RIVER, BC – Mowi Canada West has suspended its fish farm construction near Campbell River.
This after protesters staged a demonstration on the water at Cyrus Rocks, just northeast of Quadra Island on Tuesday.
According to a Black Press report, protesters said Cyrus Rocks is not a good site for an open-net pen as it would be too close a rockfish conservation area, as well as outdoor adventure businesses.
Some protesters said they did not want Mowi’s open-net pen so close to where rockfish populations are supposed to recuperate, while others did not want it in the area due to a risks to wild salmon populations such as sea lice.
Mowi spokesperson Chris Read said in an emailed statement to MyCampbellRiverNow.com that Mowi has met with Chief Chris Blaney and councillors from the Homalco First Nation.
“(Mowi met with the Homalco First Nation) to hear their concerns and are working with the Nation to find a pathway forward,” the statement said.
“Work will be suspended at this site until further notice.”
Mowi Canada West recently received an ASC certification, the first aquaculture company in the world to do so. 23 of it salmon farms are certified to the ASC Salmon Standard, which represents 75 per cent of the company’s production.
We have reached out to the Homalco First Nation for more details. Their comment is forthcoming.
